Daughter of Earth (Tales of the Guardian) (5 page)

     There was a brief, silent moment as everyone in the room absorbed the magnitude of what was about to happen.

     “Wow, just like that, huh?” James said aloud.

     “Yep, just like that,” Alexander replied. “Thanks for everything, James, we’ll keep in close contact.” Alexander reached his hand out to offer a handshake.

     Emily gave her father one last hug and kiss, silently willing herself to let go and not cling to him like she wanted to.

     It was time and the moment could no longer be prolonged, the unthinkable was about to take place. A human was going to enter Eden and by the most extraordinary way.

     Alexander pressed his chest against hers and wrapped his arms tightly around her. “Envision Eden, just as Xavier said. Normally, we don’t express what we are thinking out loud but for teaching and helping you, I think this is a good idea. Just repeat what I am saying in your mind and imagine what it is I am telling you.”

     Emily’s breathing was audible and her pulse began to race. She attempted to ignore her nerves and closed her eyes. She listened to Alexander explain Eden, the scents, the sights and the sounds. And then she heard nothing. She opened her eyes only to see Alexander was gone and she was still standing there in her bedroom with her father staring at her.

     Alexander quickly reappeared.

     “Why didn’t it work?” Emily was trying not to feel immediate defeat.

     “I’m not sure. We just have to try again. Aldara said the necklace was your key so maybe try holding on to it.”

     Emily gripped her necklace and Alexander wrapped his arms around her again. He began to speak his thoughts of Eden aloud once more. It only took a second for him to disappear, leaving Emily standing alone once again.

     In an instant he was back but this time put his hand to his head in deep contemplation. “Aldara told Xavier that to enter you would need to do the same as us, so I’m not sure what’s going on.” He furrowed his brows.

     She took a cleansing breath through her nostrils. “Okay, let’s just think then. What are we doing different?” Deep down Emily knew this could work, part of her could feel it. But just because something was supposed to work didn’t mean it would be easy.

     “Well…” her father chimed in. “Alexander is describing memories of Eden because he’s been there to witness it. Emily hasn’t, so she can’t envision it the way you do. That would be a difference,” James offered.

     “How can I get there if I have to envision a place I’ve never been? Isn’t that a Catch 22?” Her expression wrinkled with frustration.

     “Actually, I think your dad’s right. My description isn’t enough. You need to recall from your own senses, just as I do.”

     “But I can’t. I don’t have any memories or pictures of Eden in my head.”

     “What about your dream? The way you describe it sounds like you can recall the smells and sounds. When you told me about it, it sounded just like Eden minus the building and dagger,” Alexander concluded.

     “That sounds like an idea. Okay then, I am going to think of my dream, how it felt, what it looked like.” Emily closed her eyes once more.

     Alexander shortened the distance between them, this time clasping both of her hands within his own.

     Emily began reciting her dream aloud. Instead of telling it like a story she tried to recall it in a way that would awaken her senses. It did not take long for her to experience the peaceful awareness she’d come to love.

     There was a feeling of heat growing on her chest where the emerald necklace hung, as though the jewel was indeed beginning to glow. But she didn’t wish to look; she didn’t want to lose her concentration.

     Emily’s breathing relaxed and her heartbeat slowed to a calm rhythm. The recollection of the dream soothed her nerves and soon it seemed as though she could actually feel satin-like leaves brush her skin, and smell intoxicating floral scents wafting all around. The heat on her chest increased yet it wasn’t an uncomfortable temperature. Instead it was like an all-enveloping warmth gently radiating throughout her entire body. And just when the heat reached every inch of her, Emily felt weightlessness.

     A rush of warm air washed over her face and then her entire body.

     Slowly, Emily opened her eyes. But nothing was happening; it had already taken place. Now she faced an overwhelming sight. Two giant wooden doors stretched high above her head, coming to a sharp arch.

     She couldn’t help but reach her hand out and run her fingers over the door’s complex floral carvings. She had to touch it to see if it was real.

     “
How absolutely beautiful
.” She traced her finger along the carving of a swirled vine that led to an orchid-like flower.

     “You did it.” Alexander’s voice was directly behind her. His hands slid over her shoulders and down to her elbows, squeezing her arms tightly.

     She turned to face him but couldn’t speak; she didn’t know what to say. It was hard to imagine there were adequate words to describe the emotions surging through her, let alone understand the magnitude of the event which had just transpired.

     “I did do it, didn’t I?” she finally mumbled to herself as her face lit up with excitement.

     This new reality was a hard one to accept though. Time would be the only antidote for her disbelief.

     “Are you ready to see Eden?” Alexander ran his hand down her cheek, brushing her long wavy hair over her shoulder.

     “Yes, I am. I’m ready.” She could already smell the clean, crisp air saturated with the sweet scent of fruit and flowers. The aroma teased her nostrils, slowly filtering down to her taste buds just as when she walked past a bakery or favorite restaurant and the smells made her mouth water.

     Alexander gently spun her around just as the two huge doors slid open. For a moment she had to shield her eyes because the light leaking through shone directly on her face. But, once the doors opened further, the blinding sunbeam dissipated.

     She gasped, trying to pull back the sudden gust of air knocked out of her lungs. It was impossible to accept the scene before her. It reminded her of a piece of art she’d seen by Thomas Kinkade, with flowers and foliage everywhere and bright, colorful hues in every tone. It looked too perfect. Every detail shouted for her attention.

     Alexander grabbed her hand and escorted her through the doorway and onto the terrace.

     It was extremely difficult to peel her gaze away from the scenery and acknowledge the thousands of green eyes watching her, all those Guardians who were anxiously awaiting her arrival.

     When she was finally able to concentrate on the Guardians and their faces, the picture was just as beautiful. A green sea seemed to flow before her as she tried to meet as many gazes as possible. They each had a smile on their face and Emily instantaneously knew she was welcome.

     The Governing Five stood off to the right, their faces just as eager and animated. It was Aldara who came forward and was first to officially greet the couple.

     “Alexander, my son, welcome home.” Aldara held him closely, though she couldn’t fully reach her arms around his broad shoulders. His oversized physique made Aldara appear tiny and delicate.

     She then turned to Emily. With what appeared to be the first hint of tears in her eyes, Aldara said in a hushed whisper, “And welcome to Eden, Daughter of Earth.” She then moved in closely and pulled Emily into her heartfelt embrace.

     Instant warmth rushed through her body. The warmth came straight from the heart, the glow a child often feels when cuddled closely by his or her mother. It was an unmistakable feeling, one she’d missed very much since her mother’s death; and she’d never expected to experience it again. It was pure pleasure.

     Aldara turned, and then swept her open arms over the crowd standing at the bottom of the steps. “Guardians,” she exclaimed in a loud voice, “I present unto you, the first fruits of eternal peace, the key to the gate, the long prophesied Daughter of Earth!”

      Everyone erupted in a loud, almost deafening cheer. Emily hadn’t expected this kind of reaction. These Guardians didn’t even know her, and thus far she hadn’t done anything for them, yet they hailed her like some princess or deity.

     The remaining four Elders stepped over to introduce themselves. Mathaius was first. He greeted Emily with a bow and then said: “I am Mathaius, Guardian of the Law, welcome to Eden, Emily.” His voice was kind and tender, but he kept things as formal as possible, for that was his way.

     Next was Cyreena. Her approach was much more like Aldara’s. She gave Emily a giant hug and then said, “I am Cyreena, Guardian of the Tower; I am so happy you are here.”

     Emily supplied a soft smile. All the attention was making her nervous.

     Athos came over and grabbed Emily’s hands, raising them to waist level and then giving a mild bow. “And I, my child, am Athos. I am The Caller, the one whose voice brought you here.” His smile radiated his pride.

     Emily recognized his sweet voice, it had indeed been the same one she  heard in the elevator earlier that day.

     Last was Damarus. As he came forward, the other four took a small step away from Emily. His very presence demanded attention, but not in an overbearing or arrogant way. No, it was from deep admiration and respect  everyone fell silent.

     Emily swallowed hard. It was easy to deduce this was Damarus, not just from process of elimination but because Alexander had told her a lot about him over the past four months. She recognized the large build and wide chest from Alexander’s description. His eyes were green, of course, but seemed more aqua green, carrying a deep blue hint within them. It was a color Emily would not have thought possible for the eye’s iris, but this whole experience stretched, if not entirely broke, any boundaries she’d previously set for possibilities.

     “Hello, Emily.” His voice was deep but soft. It reminded her of Alexander’s. In fact, his entire persona seemed to give off the same confidence and charisma as Alexander.

     “I am Damarus, The Trainer. I am so pleased  you have come to Eden, and for your willingness to accept the call and responsibility which comes with entering here. I will work closely with you and I am honored to do such.” He bowed and stepped back to return to his position on the side.

     “And this, Emily, is Olivia.” Aldara escorted a young woman before her, directing the petite beauty by the hand. “Olivia will serve as your guide and lady-in-waiting while you reside in Eden,” she announced, gesturing toward the girl with a nod.

     Olivia stood there with a shy grin, like a small child being introduced to a handsome adult. Her green eyes were bright and sparkled in the light. Long, red curls lying perfectly tamed and tight, flowed to the small of her back. Her skin was light and spotted with freckles, with a heavy band sprinkled over her small nose. She was exceptionally beautiful, as were all The Guardians, but Olivia held a beauty that seemed more like a budding adolescent. She looked slightly younger than the other Guardians, more like Emily’s own age than anyone else’s.

     “I am honored to meet you,” Olivia said as she curtsied.

     “It’s nice to meet you, too.” Emily didn’t feel as nervous around Olivia. “It’s nice to meet all of you.” She looked back over at each of the Governing Five. “I am grateful to be here.” It was all she could say. The entire scene was extremely intimidating. She felt completely humbled in the presence of these extraordinary beings.

     Athos walked past Emily and held his hands out to the crowd. All the excited whispers were quickly silenced, as everyone wanted to hear what he would say.

     “Brothers and sisters,” he called for their attention, even though he most certainly already had it. “The induction ceremony will take place at sunset. All are to meet at the Gathering Stone to take part in this sacred ceremony. Until then, peace be with you.”