The Laws Of Elios (Book 2) (21 page)

As he observed the group he saw them stop; noticing that each had a handful of colored chalks.  Soon they began to draw on the wall of a building. Making himself invisible Shane approached the group and examined their graffiti.  “
Jehhet Rules Wonstrowd,” read Shane.  “That’ll be the day,” he said out loud while laughing.  One of the youths nearest him turned in surprise at the unexpected voice but looked right through the spot where Shane stood.  Willing his scribe to be invisible Shane unhooked it from his belt and copied the colorful graffiti from the wall and then with a smirk he gently shoved a couple of the boys causing them to start accusing each other of shoving the other.  While they were distracted he erased the graffiti and changed it to read the opposite and soon it read: “Wonstrowd Rules Jehhet.”

As the shoving died down Shane stepped back towards the field and waited for them to notice the change in the wording.  What the,” mutter
ed one of the older teens.  “Hey which one of you guys reversed this,” Growled the boy.

“What are you talking about several chorused.  Then seeing the reversed wording they once again started with accusing each other.  Eventually one
, then another, took the initiative and attempted unsuccessfully to erase the now permanently scribed words.

“Hi fellas,” Shane said from behind them as he made himself visible.  You guys play warball?

Some of the youth looked ready to run while others who were older and in their late teens seemed to decide that there was only one of Shane and felt secure enough that there wasn’t anything a lone man could do against them combined.  “Take off mister, this is none of your affair,” spoke the largest and apparent leader of the group said.

Ignoring the belligerence in the youth
’s tone Shane replied half mockingly, “I see you guys are Wonstrowd fans.  That’s awesome.  They sure kicked the Lions arse in the playoffs this year, didn’t they?”

“We aren’t fans.  Wonstrowd just got lucky.  If the Ref’s hadn’t of red flagged us twice at the end there’s no way they would have beaten us,” rebutted the leader.

“I don’t know, laughed Shane, “they were caught cheating using military energy bands.  Who’s to say that if they hadn’t had them that it wouldn’t have been so close?  I’m willing to bet the Wizards would have blown them out rather than it coming down to couple of kicks like it did.”

“You sound like you were there,” the older boy admitted so I guess I can’t argue.  We’re all just Lions fans and we had to watch the game on crystal because none of us could
get tickets.”  The older teen grimaced, “it was so close if Wonstrowd didn’t have the best handler and receiver in the league we would have won… they just got lucky.”

“Well if you can take time away from your artwork,” Shane nodded over his shoulder.  “I have a regulation field set up behind me and we can
put together a couple of games.  There are fourteen of you so we could do a seven on seven – one ‘ceiver one handler.  I’ll Ref.”

“Whoa, “chorused the group where’d that come from?

The smallest of the group kept eyeing Shane suspiciously but the distraction of the field pulled his attention like a moth to a flame.  With a yell he ran for the field, “I got first pick and I call handler!”

“In your dreams squirt,” hollered an older copy of the boy and then led the stampede after his little brother.

Two furiously competitive games later Shane called the game.  Gathering up the balls and vests he showed the group where the equipment was kept and said that as long as they made sure that they always put everything away then they could play whenever they wanted.

The young boy that had been watching him closely earlier asked Shane, “Have you ever played warball?”

“Practically all my life and I played in college” Shane replied.  Looking at the sun that was setting Shane cut the conversation short.  “You fellas probably need to get home and do your chores or eat your dinners or something.  Bring more friends next time; I probably won’t be around so you’ll need your own ref too.”  And one more thing,” he added as an afterthought.  “No more drawing on city buildings.  I’ll build you an art wall over here by the ball field.  Just promise me that you won’t put anything on there that you don’t want your mom’s to see.” The young men all laughed.

After the boys left Shane looked around and then began looking through his lumen notes on
what would work for wall construction.  Finally he decided on a design and behind the scoreboard he built a large five cubit high wall that spread in each direction from the score board for fifty cubits each way.  With a wave of his hand the graffiti that he had scribed on the building faded away.  Seeing it was almost dinner time he headed home.

Shane
entered his parent’s home in Yllyan where he had been staying since he had left Jehhet; he saw his mother and father getting ready to leave.

“S
on,” his mother greeted him with a hug.  “Ugh, you’re all sweaty,” His mother stepped back quickly.  “You need to get cleaned up. I know its short notice but your father and I would like to have dinner with you and Ava this evening if possible.”

“Sorry, been playing ball this afternoon with some of the refugee kids in Valee.
  Hey dad,” He added, patting his father on the shoulder as he stepped past into the hallway leading to his room and the shower.  “I don’t know if Ava is available.  She was pretty adamant about getting the overland restored to that fishing port up north of here, but I’ll go with you; I’m starved.”  Noting that they were dressed in nice clothes, he added, “Are you guys going somewhere fancy?  Guess I better put on something nice too.”

“Something very nice would be appropriate, “agreed his father.

“Don’t worry about Ava, you just get cleaned up; we’ll talk to her. You might consider bringing that dear girl some flowers or box of confections; you need to woo her more,” his mother admonished him.  “We are going to go see if we can meet up with her at Yllyan station when she gets in.  If she’s late then we will just eat later. Now get moving,” she asserted in her motherly take charge manner. “Just be at the Valee station around eight.”

Shane appeared on the Valee station platform just
before Ava.  He had on his best dark blue jacket with a yellow cream colored shirt and dark blue slacks.  He was carrying a pink rose corsage that he had purchased from a green house in Luion and taking his mother’s advice had picked up a small box of candied lemons; one of Ava’s favorites. 

Just as he was getting ready to step into the station he sensed a tingling of lumen right
behind him.  Turning he looked just as Ava’s portal opened.  His eyes widened as he took in her appearance; she was gorgeous.  She had on a set of fashionable high heeled Luion shoes and full bright green mid-calf skirt with a white long sleeved jade buttoned blouse and a shimmering green wool shawl; accented with silver bracelets and a silver choker and matching earrings.  Her hair was tied up in a way that showed of her attractive neck; Shane was speechless.

“Hey you,” Ava winked slyly as she stood on her tip toes and
kissed him.

Shane finally found his voice, “I just can’t get over how beautiful you are.  I see you all the time in a lab coat and you drive me out of my mind and then you dress up and
its like, like,” Shane was once again at a loss for words.  “You’re radiant I can’t describe you any other way.  You look amazing.”

Ava blushed and gave him a tight hug and another quick kiss. “You are so sweet; I’ve had this for years; I just threw it on.  We best go let you
r parents know we are here.” She added grabbing Shane’s arm above the elbow.

Shane and Ava entered into the
station and turned toward Soaris and Laura.  When Shane’s parents saw them they stood greeting them warmly.  “Thank you for inviting us to dinner,” Ava said then looking to Shane’s mother added, “Laura, your shawl is positively lovely, did you make it?”

“No dear, Soaris gave this to me many years ago.  They don’t make these here, “she said with a
faraway look.  Laura stood back a step and looked Ava up and down with an impressed eye.  “I love your outfit I wish I had your fashion sense you always look so refined; everything matches so well.”

Soaris
cleared his throat.  “If you ladies are finished with the opening ceremony of the mutual admiration society we should probably be going.  The restaurant isn’t going to stay open all night.”

“You hush now Soaris,” reprimanded his wife, “not everything needs to be on a stringent time table.”

“Just a second,” interrupted Shane, “I forgot that I brought you a corsage.”  He held out the small flowery bundle. 

“
It’s beautiful.” praised Ava as she took the offered corsage, paused a moment then looked expectantly at Shane.

Embarrassed,
Shane reached out and took the flowers back.   “Let me fasten this on for you.”  Awkwardly he gingerly attempted to pin the corsage to the spot just below her left collar but was failing miserably as he couldn’t figure how to not accidently touch anywhere he shouldn’t.

Ava finally took pity on him and took the corsage and in seconds had it securely fastened; making it look like it was meant to be part of her ensemble from the beginning.

“Oh here,” Shane said handing her the candy, “I almost forgot, this is for you too.

“Lemon, my favorite,” she said giving him another hug, “Thank you,”

Shane mouthed a thank you to his smiling mother.

“Now for dinner,” Soaris said with impatience.

Laura grabbed Soaris’ elbow and with a spring in her step started leading him toward the door.  “Where are going for dinner, dear?”

Ava grabbed Shane’s arm and
playfully tugged Shane following closely behind.  Soaris smiled, “Do you like home cooking?”  With a flash the four were suddenly standing in a lobby of a magnificent marbled foyer.  High above was a crystal chandelier that sparkled with golden shafts of light into a high ceiling with a mural depicting several dolphins surfing the waves of a bright blue ocean. 

“It beautiful,” whispered Ava

“Soaris, how is this possible,” asked Laura to her spouse.  “How are we here?  Does this mean what I think?”

Soaris just smiled and said nothing.

Shane watched the people that had been standing around talking in hushed tones.  All of the conversations had stopped and all of the men and women standing about turned to watch the four of them as they walked toward an elegant dining room.  Their air of distinguished sophistication bore no malice and abruptly with an awareness not understood by Shane, simultaneously they all began to wear expressions that spoke many emotions; some of amazement, some of joy, some of pride.  A few women held hands to their mouths in astonishment with scarcely withheld tears, while a few of the men nodded respectfully; some nearly bowing.

At the entryway to the dining room that seemed both opulent and
modest, they were approached by a man in sandals and a short sleeved, robin egg green, calf-length, robe, with a gold sash tied around the waist.  He had short wavy blonde hair, was of medium height, and wore a wide smile.  “Welcome home Master Soarianus.  I am honored to see you after such a long separation.  May light shine on you forever,” the man bowed low.  Turning to the others he bowed again, “I have a table set aside for you. Please follow me.”  He turned and led them across the room and soon arrived at a table next to a massive window that overlooked a sea of stars; the center of which were two large nearly white suns.  Within moments they were surrounded by several men dressed like the blonde man, only with robes of black with white sashes.  Seemingly without fuss the four were seated; coats and shawls removed and carried away.  The blonde man bowed again and with a smile said, “Drew will be pleased to convey your appetites to the preparers whenever you are ready.  The goblets will refresh as you chose.  If something handmade is more to your tastes Drew will see to that as well.  Welcome come.”  With a smile the man hurried away.

Laura could no longer contain herself and turned to her husband.  “Soarianus Cha
shanan! Start talking.”

Shane and Ava just looked at each other.  It was obvious they had been brought to this marvelous place by magic but they both were content in waiting for the ‘what’ and the ‘where’;
knowing that the information would be provided eventually.

“Shane, Ava, welcome to Ricanus. The best place to dine in all of Elios. 
What your mother is trying to ask, Shane,” he said with a wide grin, “is does the fact that we are here mean that our time on Eliom is done.”  Turing to his wife he held her hand warmly.  “Yes, my dearest one, our work is complete. Our commitment fulfilled.  The Last Song has chosen, the heart of the world has arrived and accepted the Bride of the Song.  Eliom has its new protector and the magic is restored.”

Laura’s eyes were moist, “Oh how I have missed
Elios.”  She said quietly as she looked out the window at the panorama of stars.  “I never thought this day would come.”  Turning to Shane, “I never in all the worlds imagined that my son would be part of the Plan.  I’m so proud of you Shane.”  Turning to Ava she added, “And Ava, what a special women you are. More than you can realize.”

Shane and Ava looked at their two hosts more confused than ever.  “Would you care to be a little less cryptic,” Shane asked?

“Yes, please,” agreed Ava.

Soaris smiled
and turned to the attentive Drew and spoke in a language that Shane and Ava didn’t understand.  With a nod the man departed.  Facing back to the table he slowly began to elaborate on what he had just revealed.  “To start with the hearts, souls and lumen of each and every world and star are referred as star seeds.  They have the form of that of a gryphon or other equally amazing magical beasts.  I’m sure you may have already deduced from your studies that suns are stars. Additionally planets are what you might term as clothing for stars. – Stars that are either nesting mothers or the shells protecting young star seeds.  To go even further, when a mother star is through raising her children she will shed her world and become a star and join the sky with her husband with the worlds of her children nearby.”  Soaris nodded toward the window and the binary suns in the center of the panorama.  “These are the Stars of Elios all of the world’s round about are their children. 

It is said that
many years ago, more than can be counted by man or mage, a group of evil sorcerers called soul mages were attempting to conquer and destroy the Stars of Elios.  The sons and daughters of man that dwelled on the worlds of their star seeds were powerless to do anything. As things seemed helpless a great Lumen Mage named Eno appeared in a city of light with power unimaginable. This great Lumen Master soon defeated the soul mages and cast them beyond the edge of the galaxy.  He then dwelt here and taught the laws of light and showed how to increase the lumen of the Elios system through the power of the lumen of light.  How long ago and how long it took no one knows.  Eventually the great Eno left Elios telling that there were other worlds that needed the Laws and his purpose was to share the Laws of Light to all.  His final teachings were for the Elios to do likewise and where ever possible to create interim worlds so that the sons and daughters of man can grow by degree to become able to abide the worlds like those of Elios. His final words were: ‘Serve others, help if you can and if you can help you should’.  He promised that all who progressed enough to abide the glory of Elios would have the ages of the stars and beyond if they would accept his challenge and create other systems like the worlds of Elios.

Eventually the glory of Elios was so great that only those that would abide the laws of lumen could abide here and those that would not live them where forced to flee or be consumed by the greater power of lumen.  The first to have to leave were
led by a man named Yant.  He and his followers began to practice the dark ways of the soul mages.  His followers and those ever after who chose to oppose the Laws of Light were eventually called the Allyant; a name derived from the ancient language of Eno for followers of Yant.

A
ngry that they could not live how they pleased in pursuit of their selfish desires and jealous of the power of the Elios.  They claimed entitlement to an inheritance of the worlds of Elios by right of their ancestors.  They gathered in force and tried to take the outer worlds for themselves and used the perverted lumen to destroy the Light Lumen that they emulated.   Unfortunately, at the first, they were successful.  They stole the lumen souls of several worlds.  These soul mages with the lumen of millions and of several slain star seeds became the Allyant great ones.  A war ensued but eventually the Lumen Mages that wore the mantel of Eno cast them from the galaxy like the soul mages of old. In the effort to make Elios unassailable the lumen masters of Elios increased the glory and influence of lumen until the entire system was beyond any in the known explored galaxies.  This glory was a wonder and a great protection and none could assail Elios.  Even the Allyant Great Ones feared to venture too near in fear that they would be consumed.

Sadly
the greatness of Elios was to become a handicap.  All that lived within the worlds of Eliom were Lumen Mages or Lumen Masters; some even greater as they bore the mantel of Eno.  With their vast abilities they could endure the glory that they had created.  The handicap was that children born here were born as all sons and daughters of men are; unprotected except through the light of their parents.  Within a dozen years they would no longer have the parents inherent protection; if the parents were not sufficient in their lumen capacity to protect their children until they themselves became proficient they would perish like any natural man.  Even worse some grew impatient or were not willing to work at becoming Lumen Mages and in the course of their learning discovered the short cuts of the Allyant and chose to follow the paths of their dark ancestors.  In great sorrow these children fell subject to the great magics of the past and they were cast to the darkness of the edge.  Out of mercy, they were not killed, in hopes that one day they would give up the evil practice of soul magic and return to the laws of light.