The First Odyssey

(the planet of the Time Prophet, in the Light Universe, shortly after the time of Kai's death and the destruction of Brunnis 2)

The cold, biting wind howled as the cloaked and hooded Valhallan approached the Time Prophet. The young female warrior trembled, for she feared the unknown. She was a tall, proud female, a Valkyrie, one of her planet's fiercest and most powerful fighters. An Independent, she was of a race of people who had so far withstood the emerging Divine Order. Her people's colonies extended as far as the Ostral-B pair. But news of Brunnis 2's destruction and the fall of the Brunnen-G had just reached them, and they were afraid. Colony after colony was being destroyed or conquered. Valhalla was now in danger. A representative had been sent to inquire of the Time Prophet. Her moment of truth had finally come.

The woman removed her hood and faced the Time Prophet. Hers was a beautiful, regal face. Her long dark brown hair flowed down the back of her cloak, and her piercing green eyes gazed intently upon the ancient seer.

"Time Prophet!" she called out. "I have come to seek your counsel. My people, the Valhallans, are dying. Our world and colonies are in peril. The forces of His Divine Shadow are upon us, and we are weakening in our efforts to resist. Tell me, Time Prophet, will my people survive this reign of darkness and terror?"

"As you well know," the Time Prophet chanted, "time has a beginning, and an end. And then time begins again. I have been gifted to see into the ancient cycles of time. By looking into the future past, I can see that your planet, like many others, will not survive His Shadow's assault. I also see that your race will lose its identity and distinction here in this universe, and will blend into the mass of troubled humanity in the centuries ahead, under the Divine Order's rule. But I also see a remnant, one who has
outlived His Shadow's reign, one who has survived this universe's ultimate demise. From your very loins, a Valkyrie will be born who will be the guardian of your people in a new home, far from here. She will bring peace for your race, at the price of her own identity. This has happened before. It will happen again."

The Valhallan stood motionless as the Time Prophet went silent. The wind continued to blow, cold and desolate. The Valkyrie turned and walked back to her vessel. She wasn't sure she understood all that she had been told, but she knew now what she must do if her people were to survive His Shadow's emerging order. And she wasn't sure just how much time she had left!

***

(2,000 years later, in the Light Universe, some time before its destruction)

Sasha and Sonya were still on the run. They, and their fugitive group of Independents, were nearly out of power, out of time, and out of options!

"So, what now?" Sonya asked her consort, frustrated.

"Is there a planet within range, preferably one that isn't League, or allied with heretics?" Sasha inquired.

"We've already been over this!" She replied, angrily. "The answer is still NO! Our nav-comp is shot, remember?"

"Well, we don't dare send out a distress signal," Sasha commented. "No telling who would pick us up!"

Sonya shook her head, sighing. A perimeter warning alarm sounded on her console. She turned to the screen.

"What in the name of...!" she began. In front of their crippled, blind ship, a massive fissure was opening, as if the very fabric of space was being torn and twisted into a brilliant vortex, spiraling into who knows where!

"DO SOMETHING!" Sasha yelled frantically.

Sonya ran her hands over the controls, trying desperately to divert any remaining power into the damaged thrusters. It was hopeless.

"There's nothing I can do!" she exclaimed. "We're going in!"

Sure enough, the ship was being pulled into the phenomenon like a gravity well. Space seemed to be contorting and as the vessel lurched suddenly, and by some strange force, was drawn in, vanishing into a kaleidoscope of void.

***

The trio, plus one, had been riding for two days straight. Mount Olympus and the lands of Achaia were still far beyond. Arcadia had grown more and more accustomed to her unusual mount, Silvanus the unicorn. Lorewyn and Ashlan rode normal horses, whom they had named Snowflake and Clover, respectfully. Arcadia had learned that Silvanus could communicate with the other mounts as well.

Arcadia was also growing more familiar with her sword. It could speak, and had already identified itself as "Starburst." Aside from its shock attack and healing ability, Arcadia knew little about the extent of her magical weapon's powers.

Brother Ashlan had said little during the journey so far. He kept his eyes ahead, focused. His druidstaff was held secure at his side.

Lorewyn seemed far more talkative than she had in the past. It was clear to Arcadia that although zealous and devoted to their mission, her tall and elegant Sal'terran friend was anxious. She was a priestess by training, not a warrior. Although she possessed a certain wisdom, plus some interesting powers of both defense and healing, and was skilled with the bow, Arcadia could feel the tension mount as the days went on.

One of the horses whinnied and snorted. Silvanus replied in her equine vocabulary.

"We'll be needing to rest soon," she told her rider. "Myself and the others."

They came to a stop. Arcadia dismounted. They were in a hilly, rocky terrain, with few trees and limited water supply.

"Lorewyn and I will scout ahead," she said, motioning her friend to come down as well. "Ashlan, stay here with Silvanus and the horses. We'll see if we can locate some fresh water and some shelter."

Ashlan nodded, as Arcadia and Lorewyn set off across the landscape together.

They had been walking for an hour at least before they came to grotto hidden behind a small set of hills. There was a beautiful pond, surrounded with trees and grass, most adequate a place for resting!

"Why don't you stay here?" Lorewyn said, checking her bow on her backside. "I'll go fetch the others and bring them."

"Sounds good," Arcadia replied, smiling, eyeing the cool, pleasant water, flowing in the pool below. She began removing her fur bustenhalt and loin cloth, laying them aside on a nearby rock with her sword. "I'm going for a dip!"

Lorewyn departed, as Arcadia slid gently into the water. It was quite refreshing, cool, yet comfortable. It seemed to be fed from an underground spring. Arcadia dunked her head beneath, wetting her long dark brown hair, enjoying the feel of the water on her naked body.

When she emerged a second later, she noticed something odd. The water had changed color! It was no longer a clear blue hue, but transluscent pink instead! Shocked and confused, Arcadia quickly hopped out onto the bank. Except for the color, nothing else seemed to be happening to the water. And when she got out, there was no trace of coloring on her skin.

"Starburst," she asked her sword, laying on the rock. "What do you make of this?"

"I'm not sure, Mistress," the sword replied, in its gentle baritone. "There must be some magic at work here, but as to it's nature, I can't tell."

Arcadia slowly approached the pool again. She stuck her hand in, cautiously. Once again, the pool changed color, this time to a pale green. It didn't feel any different. And it didn't seem to affect Arcadia one way or the other. How strange!

Arcadia was still kneeling by the side of the pool naked when the rest of the group arrived. She had been conducting some experiments, and had seen the pool change colors several times already, from a deep violet to bright yellow.

Ashlan was quick to react. "My lady!" he exclaimed, trying to avert his eyes in embarrassment.

Arcadia smiled, and laughed to herself. "It's okay, Brother Ashlan," she said, reassuring. "They don't bite!" However, she covered herself to make him more comfortable. She then explained her discovery to her comrades.

"It could be Eldath's Pool," Silvanus remarked. "I've never seen it before, but what you've said supports the possibility."

"What's Eldath's Pool?" Lorewyn asked. "Who's Eldath?"

"An apothecary, of sorts," Ashlan explained. "He was among the first of the Druids, so it's said, one of my people from long ago. Legend has it that he took a spring, like this one, and transformed it into a magical pool of healing, vitality, and so on. I just never thought..."

"I've heard the legends myself," Silvanus commented, continuing, "but like Brother Ashlan, I too was never convinced of its verity. However, this could very well be Eldath's Pool!"

"Why does it change color like that?" Arcadia asked, observing yet another shift in hue.

"I have no idea," Ashlan replied. "Perhaps something to indicate its various functions."

"You mean, green heals leprosy, pink broken bones and so on?" Lorewyn inquired, obviously intrigued.

"It's a possibility," Ashlan said.

"Well, it doesn't seem to have any affect on the skin," Arcadia commented. "I've already been for a swim!"

"Maybe its effects are only felt when ingested," Silvanus suggested. "It would seem to support the mind of an apothecary."

"So, how do we know?" Lorewyn asked.

Arcadia stepped up to the water's edge. "Only one way to find out," she said, taking some of the now crimson-tinted liquid in her hands.

"Wait!" Lorewyn exclaimed. "Arcadia, you don't know what it will do to you! It could be poison, or some harmful effect!"

Arcadia hesitated for a moment, but then continued. "I guess I'll have to rely on your expert healer's touch if I'm wrong!" Then, she drank of the water.

She lifted herself up after taking a generous gulp. She didn't notice any effect, that is until she took a look at Ashlan. She could see right through his robe and undergarments! Startled, but amused, Arcadia quickly averted her gaze. Her eyes fell upon Silvanus. With the slightest effort, she could see straight through the unicorn, observing objects on the other side in plain view!

"Well?" Lorewyn asked, curious.

Arcadia had to seriously restrain herself from looking at her friend and letting her imagination take over! Chuckling, she looked back to Ashlan, his endowment completely and unknowingly visible to Arcadia's enhanced perception.

"It's definitely an eye-opening experience!" she exclaimed, trying not to laugh, not at the Druid's physique, but at the humorous moment.

"I'd like to try some, I think," Lorewyn said, taking some water herself. By now, the color had changed to a light, peach-like orange.

"Oh, I think you'll get a kick out of it!" Arcadia said, barely able to contain herself.

Cautious, but definitely fascinated, the priestess slowly put the water to her lips and drank of it. A peculiar look came over her face, as she withdrew her hands.

"Quite pleasant, actually," she said, "it tastes a little like..." she stopped mid-sentence, as her eyes looked up at Arcadia. Her expression instantly changed to that of awe and desire.

"Oh, my love!" Lorewyn exclaimed, reaching for Arcadia, in an effort to embrace. "You're so beautiful! Please, allow me the sweet ecstacy of your sensual caress!"

Bewildered, Arcadia backed off, caught off guard by this behavior. Lorewyn pursued her.

"Please, Arcadia, my goddess!" she cried. "Do not withhold your affections from she who worships your loveliness!"

"What the hell is going on here?!" Arcadia exclaimed. Dodging a passionate embrace, she ran behind the Druid.

"Ashlan, do something!" she said. While Lorewyn's touch was something that Arcadia didn't necessarily object to, this manner or weirdness was simply too much!

Ashlan reached out with his staff as Lorewyn attempted to follow. The tip of the staff touched her on the shoulder, releasing a magical discharge of stun energy. The priestess fell down, unconscious.

"Thank you," Arcadia said, gratefully.

She and Ashlan began carefully testing several color combinations. It seemed as if the effects were temporary (a relief, in Lorewyn's case!). Arcadia's X-ray Vision soon faded. When the priestess awoke minutes later, the "love potion" had worn off. Arcadia also discovered that certain colors produced effects of ability to breath underwater, incredible speed, incredible strength, and a magical aptitude in speaking and understanding languages, including those spoken by animals!

"This water could come in quite handy for us!" Silvanus remarked.

"Agreed," Arcadia said, "but how can we transport it? I mean, the effects are obviously only temporary."

"Allow me," Ashlan commented, reaching into his pack and taking out several bottles and wineskins. "Extras," he explained. "They were going to be for water, but I suppose THIS particular water will do nicely!"

"Brother Ashlan, you ARE the Druid of Druids!" Arcadia laughed, delightfully. She kissed him on the cheek, and began assisting in drawing water from the pool, one container for each color.

"Would you mind taking a swig of the orange stuff again, while keeping your eyes fixed on me?" the Druid requested playfully.

Three days later, after a refreshing siesta at Eldath's Pool, the group arrived at the foot of Mount Olympus. It was nearly dawn, the sun about to rise within the hour. There wasn't so much as a reception committee!

"One would think with the technology Sasha's got, that he'd be forewarned of our arrival," Arcadia commented, adjusting herself on Silvanus' back.

"Perhaps they know, and are setting an ambush," Lorewyn suggested.

"That sounds like something Sasha and Sonya would do all right!" Arcadia agreed.

Starburst began glowing slightly. "Mistress!" it said, with a tone of urgency. "There's a squadron of mounted Pegasi approaching from the distance!"

"Take cover, now!" Arcadia ordered, turning Silvanus sharply and heading for a nearby grove. Ashlan and Lorewyn both dismounted and shooed their horses into the grove, following Silvanus, while they took up strategic positions aloft some trees. Arcadia got down off the unicorn, and readied her sword.

"Lorewyn, Ashlan!" she called out to the two perched nearby. "Aim for the riders if possible, but if you can ground the mounts, so be it. Silvanus and I will take care of them down here!"

The two nodded in acknowledgment. Lorewyn prepared her bow, while Ashlan extended his staff. Arcadia and Silvanus stayed concealed in the woods.

"It's all up-hill from here, you realize," Silvanus commented, rubbing her horn against a nearby tree-trunk.

The first wave of riders came into range, swooping down hear the edge of the woods, firing lightning bolts aimed at various trees. Lorewyn fired, striking one rider squarely in the chest. He fell a good hundred feet to his instant death. Brother Ashlan's aim wasn't quite so precise. A lethal ray of energy connected the staff with the loins of a pegasus. The flying horse shrieked in agony and plummeted to the solid earth below. The rider was injured, but alive, and quickly drew his weapon for melee.

Silvanus was on it in an instant. With incredible speed, she charged out of the grove, her horn leveled at the defenseless rider. He just didn't have enough time to react. The unicorn's horn impaled him deeply, catching his body up in the charge, then throwing him forward at least fifty yards with a sudden stop in her tracks!

"Now that's GOT TO hurt!" Arcadia remarked to herself, smiling, watching the prowess of her magical mount.

"Mistress!" the sword warned again, "there is a group of infantry entering the grove from the other side!"

A trap! Not bad for tactics, Arcadia thought. Good thing Starburst had a built-in sixth sense for detecting stuff like this! Realizing that Lorewyn and Ashlan were busy with moving targets, and that Silvanus had her horn full with grounded cavalry, Arcadia took off the other direction in hopes of intercepting the enemy.

Not such a smart move after all, she realized! Starburst was right. There WERE infantry approaching from the other side, but the problem was how many. Arcadia estimated there to be a unit of at least a score of those hideous, twisted creatures that she had encountered some time back. Those were bad-ass mothers too! Could she take them by herself? If they were allowed to make it to Lorewyn and Ashlan, her friends would be trapped!

Quickly, Arcadia scurried up a tree, and waited. A small number of the group was about to pass below, trying to move silently as to sneak up on her and her companions. Looking around, Arcadia saw an option.

There was a large, sturdy limb crossing over the path that these half-human beasts would take. With precision, and with the right timing, Arcadia's plan could possibly work!

Quietly, Arcadia reached for belt, taking her waterskin. It was filled with strength potion from the pool. She took a gulp, then readied herself. Within seconds, she could feel the sense of awesome power coming over every muscle in her body. She poised herself, then, taking her sword, delivered a mighty blow to the limb as the group passed underneath.

Unable to resist the strength of the heretic, combined with the magical steel of Starburst, the thick limb cracked and dropped to the earth, landing directly upon at least five of the brutes. Startled and confused, they were vulnerable to Arcadia's swift attack.

With deftness and cunning, she sprang from the tree, landing directly in the midst of the fearsome giants. With sword brandished and swinging, Arcadia hurled herself the foe, her magically enhanced strength out-matching the prowess of even the mightiest of the thugs!

She had taken down half of the regiment single-handedly, and had sent the rest towards a hasty retreat, when Lorewyn and Ashlan rode up, Silvanus close behind.

"We've got to get out of here!" Lorewyn cried. "The Olympians have called out reinforcements!"

Arcadia delivered a final stab to the last enemy either standing or sticking around. "Well, how bad can it be?" she asked, feeling a sense of confidence.

"Are you saying it can't get any worse?" Ashlan said, laughing.

"Well, I suppose it COULD be worse," Arcadia replied.

"It's worse," Silvanus commented, flatly.

She motioned with her horn behind her. The sound of riders and their winged mounts had been replaced by the frightening sound of tree trunks crashing and limbs splintering. Through the woods, Arcadia could see a massive figure approaching. It looked as if it was made of stone, with a giant "steam-roller" in front, crushing everything in its path!

"A juggernaut!" Arcadia exclaimed. "Okay, we're out of here!"

With a leap, she sprang onto Silvanus' back and rode with her companions ahead. Getting through the woods was difficult, and the juggernaut was gaining ground. Accompaying the behemoth were hoards more of vile creatures, and a back-up unit of air support. They were hopelessly outgunned and outnumbered.

"Quickly, towards the hills!" Arcadia shouted, veering off, leading her companions out of the woods towards a clump of hills in the distance. The forest began to thin, and they were becoming easier targets.

Ashlan was having trouble keeping up. His horse had sustained some wounds and was slowing down. The juggernaut was felling tree after tree, and at one point, a gigantic trunk crashed forward, its top striking the Druid atop his head, throwing him off his mount, and pinning him.

His horse neighed, but scrambled to her feet, and bolted. Ashlan wasn't so lucky.

"HELP!!!" he screamed in agony. The juggernaut was only seconds from crushing him to pulp.

Arcadia heard the cry, and turned sharply. She saw the crisis. There just wasn't much time. She whistled sharly to Lorewyn. The priestess gasped when she saw as well, and dismounted quickly, grabbing her bow.

The infantry was too close. A rescue would have to be swift and efficient. Lorewyn began laying down a pattern of arrows, attempting to ward off possible interference. But the juggernaut was nearly upon Ashlan, and the arrows were just bouncing off the solid stone!

Arcadia saw only one chance, and hoped it would work. She took the rest of her waterskin, and hastily guzzled the remainder of potion. The feeling was quite overwhelming! With every ounce of speed she could muster, Arcadia hurled herself at the oncoming wheel of slaughter, Silvanus close on her heels.

Arms outstretched, ready to receive what she hoped would be manageable, Arcadia braced herself just inches in front of the Druid, and called upon every bit of strength she could as the juggernaut came down on her.

For a moment, it looked as if the mighty vessel of destruction would be too much, but straining, Arcadia kept the massive steam-roller at bay just long enough for Silvanus to grab Ashlan by his staff as he held on tight, and pull him free!

Seeing that the Druid was out of danger, Arcadia gave a final shove to give her a moment to break loose, and threw herself back, out of the way, as the juggernaut resumed its thundering roll forward, unrelenting thereafter.

"I can't hold them any longer!" Lorewyn cried, firing her last volley at the oncoming beasts. She ran to her steed and took off again for the hills.

Arcadia threw the wounded Ashlan on Silvanus, and ran with her unicorn through the disappearing woods, following the priestess. They were approaching a structure nestled in the midst of the hills.

"The Palace of the Dawn!" Silvanus exclaimed. "It's our only chance! We've got to hurry!"

They rushed to the threshold, and entered the marble courtyard. The sun was nearly up. It would be dawn in a matter of minutes.

"We've got to find him!" Silvanus cried. "He's our only hope to get out of here!"

"Who?" Arcadia demanded. "What are you talking about?"

"This way! Hurry!" the unicorn shouted, frantically. They bolted through the yard, up the steps, and into the inner bailey. Their pursuers were not far behind!

The inner bailey was a majestic outdoor arena, open-domed. There was a man preparing a chariot and four horses. Silvanus rushed up to him.

"My lord, you must help us, please!" the unicorn pleaded.

The man turned, surprised, but apparently pleased. "Silvanus!" he said, cheerfully. "It's been a while. Friends of yours?" He pointed to the others. He was a blond, handsome youth, no more than twenty-five or so. He was dressed in a white, gold-trimmed toga. There was something radiating and vibrant about his presence.

"My lord, I don't have time to explain," Silvanus continued, urgently. "We are being pursued by the Olympians. Our friend the Druid has been injured. We have no other means of escape. Please, you must help us!"

The man looked concerned, noticing Ashlan's wounds, and the obvious desperate demeanor of the unicorn.

"I'm about to begin my morning trek in just a few seconds," he said. "I really don't have time to..."

He was interrupted by the sound of the enemy entering the arena. They saw their prey, shouted, and charged.

The man quickly extended his hand, firing a blinding shot of flame towards the assaulting mass. They were flung back, stalled for a moment, but not for long.

"All right, into the chariot, all of you!" the man ordered. He ushered Arcadia, Silvanus, Lorewyn, and Ashlan on board, and climbed in himself, taking the reins.

"I could lose my job for this!" he muttered to himself, then shouted "yah!" and gave the reins a sharp tug.

The horses reacted immediately. They sprang into action, taking off across the arena, with the Olympian forces in pursuit.

However, within seconds, fiery flames began shooting from the horses hooves and the wheels of the chariot, until soon the entire chariot, horses and all, were engulfed in a brilliant pyre! Inside the chariot itself, all were safe and untouched.

The flames struck the pursuers, consuming them, and frying them to crisps. Then, the horses began to ascend, lifting the chariot with them, as they rose higher and higher into the air, clearing the arena, and flying off into the early morning sky as the dawn was breaking.

Lorewyn was skillfully tending to Brother Ashlan's wounds, using her healing powers. The Druid had been severely injured, but the Sal'terran priestess was confident.

"He'll be okay," she said to Arcadia. "But we need to find a place to rest and let him recover fully."

Arcadia turned to the driver of the fiery, flying chariot. They had been airborne for several minutes now. Through the flames which harmlessly enveloped the vessel, she could see the Earth below. Above, the sun, following its arc as the driver kept pace.

"Who are you?" she asked him.

The handsome young man smiled. "I'm known by several names, my dear lady," he replied. "Where we come from, I was once called Vilnius. I was a Cleric from the Divine Order, exiled here years ago by who was then His Shadow. But here, on Earth, most folks call me Apollo."

"Apollo's one of our allies," Silvanus explained. "He and his sister, Artemis."

"A sister, too?" Arcadia asked.

"Diana, actually," Apollo replied. "She was exiled with me for aiding and abetting a renegade Cleric."

"You mean to tell me there are MORE people from the Light Universe stuck here?" Arcadia exclaimed.

"Indeed," Apollo answered. "After I take you to my sister's place, she'll take you to a group who live far north, in secret. Believe me, the Olympians weren't the only ones who were either sent here or escaped before the Light Universe ended!"

Arcadia shook her head, trying to take it all in. She took a seat next to Lorewyn and Ashlan and enjoyed the rest of the ride across the sky.

***

They reached Twilight Hall, Artemis' home, near dusk. Apollo introduced Arcadia and company to his sister.

"Welcome, friends!" she said with a smile, escorting Arcadia into her dwelling. Lorewyn was shown where she could take Ashlan and allow him some rest.

Diana, or Artemis, was a tall, beautiful woman, standing nearly six feet in height. Her hair was a silvery blond, worn long and loose. Like many of the natives, she wore a simple tunic, sleeveless, revealing her lovely but strong arms. Her skin was pale, like moonlight, soft and pleasant. And her voice was smooth and tranquil.

"Please, come and refresh yourself," Diana said, taking Arcadia to a pool. Both women disrobed and got in. Arcadia enjoyed the relaxing coolness.

"You can rest for a while," she continued. "All of you, before I take you to see the Valhallans."

"The who?" Arcadia asked.

"The Valhallans are a group of Independents from the Light Universe," she explained. "They left their colonies a long time ago and fled to the Dark Zone, to avoid the oncoming slaughter and menace of the Divine Order. They settled here on earth shortly after the Great Flood."

"Just how many of us ARE there here?" Arcadia inquired, amazed. She had no idea that this planet had served as such a refuge!

"Not many," Diana replied. "My brother and I were sent here against our will initially. The Olympians, as you already know, came here by accident. Sasha, Sonya and their band of thugs have been a bane to us all ever since. The Valhallans, of course. Good people. Reclusive, but potentially valuable allies in your fight. You, obviously. That's about it. The Faeries are all from the Dark Zone, but from another world. And your friend Lorewyn, she's connected to them distantly."

"How do you know all this?" Arcadia asked.

"I've been following your progress ever since your ship, the Azure-Queen, entered orbit many moons ago," she explained. "I saw it explode, your people attempt to settle, the battles, all of it."

"You're a very clairvoyant lady!" Arcadia remarked, quite impressed.

"A necessary talent here," Diana replied, grinning, "as you're probably finding out!"

They continued to talk and bathe for some time. Lorewyn joined them after a while. Diana and the priestess found a common interest - archery! Later, after a meal together, Diana offered Lorewyn her own bow.

"You might need this for the battle ahead," she suggested. The bow was ornate, well-crafted, and Lorewyn could sense some unusual properties about it.

They said their farewells to Apollo, and joined Artemis on board her Moonship, a high-tech air balloon which floated through the atmosphere. The balloon itself was a large, pale, and luminescent sphere.

"We'll travel through the night," Artemis explained. "We should reach the Valhallans by morning."

Arcadia went over to Ashlan. The Druid was recovering well.

"How are you feeling?" she asked him.

"Better," the Druid replied. "Lorewyn's got the touch, that's for sure."

Arcadia smiled, and lying down next to her reclining companion, watched as their pilot guided them through the cool night. She gradually drifted off to sleep.

Arcadia awoke a couple of hours later. It was still dark. Diana was at the helm of the balloon, keeping watch. Arcadia got up and joined her.

"Feeling rested?" she asked.

"A little," Arcadia replied. She looked out over the clear, dark sky. They were still sailing for the north, in hopes of reaching the Valhallans by morning.

"Tell me," she inquired of her host, "how is it that you, your brother, and several others here possess this... strange kind of power?"

"You mean magic?"

Arcadia nodded.

"Well," Diana explained, "it's kind of hard to explain. On this planet, there seems to be a field of power at work, mystical, elusive. Most of the natives are totally naive about it. But some of us, particularly those of us from the Light Universe, picked up on it right away. When you were on the Azure-Queen, did your instruments detect some strange anomalies about Earth, almost inconsistent readings?"

"Yes!" Arcadia replied, remembering. "We did. I didn't think much of it at the time."

"Same here," Diana continued. "We're not sure how it works exactly, or why. But it exists. They call it the Weave. Some of us are able to tap into its essence. It's difficult to put into words how it works. It just kind of happens. The Faerie folk have an unusual grasp of it, and can harness the power well. They seem to have a natural talent for it. Lorewyn obviously is learning how to tap into it as well. Some of us have the gift, others don't. Oberon brought awareness of it to the Druids, and to a select few Earthmen. Unfortunately, the Olympians understand and utilize the power as well, though not for good."

Arcadia was about to inquire further, but was interrupted by a cry from astern. A fleet of Pegasi and their riders were approaching in the night sky, arming for battle!

"Olympians!" Diana shouted. "Quick, wake the others!"

Arcadia hastily awoke Lorewyn and Ashlan. Silvanus stood up from where she was laying down near the helm, alert. Lorewyn armed her bow, while Ashlan prepared his staff.

"Here, take the helm!" Diana instructed Arcadia. She had never flown such a contraption before, but manned the controls as Diana mounted a small ballista on the side and armed it.

A wave of riders came near, lashing out against the craft with lightning blasts. Lorewyn began to fire her newly-given bow. Streaks of radiant energy flew from the string as they hit riders and mounts.

One pegasus in particular managed to get right up the balloon. The rider threw an electrically-charged lance straight into the craft. It struck Lorewyn in the back, impaling her. The priestess cried out in pain, then slumped to the deck. Ashlan quickly shoved his staff out, hitting the rider in the chest and delivering an explosive charge. The rider and mount both disintegrated in a blaze! But the damage was done.

"LOREWYN!" Arcadia screamed, releasing the controls, running to the other side to tend to her fallen comrade. As she turned from the helm, another blast hit. The controls burst into flame, as Arcadia was thrown towards the priestess, landing beside her. Diana quickly fired a shot from the ballista, taking down the attacker. She then rushed to the damaged helm.

"Lorewyn... no!" Arcadia cried, tears streaming down her cheek. Her friend was not moving, not breathing. The lance had gone straight through her. Ashlan kneeled down, as Arcadia cradled Lorewyn in her arms.

"She's dead," the Druid proclaimed, sadly, putting his finger to her neck. Silvanus came over. She nuzzled Arcadia, then spoke.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "There's nothing I can do."

Still sobbing, but in a rage, Arcadia let go and stood up. Glaring angrily at the still oncoming riders, she unsheathed Starburst.

"We've lost directional control," Diana reported from the charred helm, "and altitude maintenance. We're going down, and we're at the mercy of the wind now!"

Arcadia barely heard, as she grabbed one of the ropes holding the craft to the balloon, and leaped up on the narrow side.

"Arcadia, what are you doing?!" Ashlan yelled.

Ignoring him, Arcadia checked her flanks. A rider was circling, coming around to pick her off as a target. He fired two shots. Arcadia held her sword defensively, and aimed. Both blasts were deflected by the magical blade. The rider prepared his lance, coming in closer for a charge. Then, Arcadia jumped.

She landed on the pegasus, and with a powerful blow, knocked the startled rider off, sending him falling to his certain death below. She grabbed the reins tightly, and positioned herself on the saddle. The flying horse, realizing a change in weight and rider, started to buck in the air, but Arcadia held on. In a minute, she had gained control of her new steed!

Keeping one hand on the reins, and another on her sword, she engaged the other riders in aerial combat. Starburst managed to deflect the lightning blasts, and even threw some back on their sources! She kept their attention off the balloon at least.

She began picking off riders and their mounts with strong, precise strikes with her sword as she got in melee range. Soon, the few who remained were scattered, and began to flee. Arcadia flew back to the crippled balloon.

"We're going down," Diana said, "and I can't stop it."

"This horse can't carry more than just me, I don't think," Arcadia commented.

Silvanus whinnied and snorted, speaking to the pegasus. The white stallion responded.

"He says that he can fly to the Valhallans," the unicorn reported, "and alert them of our situation. They'll be able to find us eventually."

Arcadia nodded and sent the pegasus on its way, as she climbed back onto the craft. The balloon had lost alot of air, and they were sinking fast, being taken by a strong eastward wind.

"We're not going in the right direction, are we?" Ashlan observed.

"No," Diana replied. "I don't know where we'll end up."

Arcadia was silent. Her rage had passed, but she was by no means comforted. She sat next to Lorewyn's dead body throughout the remainder of the night as the craft slowly descended. Silvanus and Ashlan sat next to her, not saying a word. The night seemed to last for an eternity.

Morning came soon enough, however, and Diana's balloon, carried by an eastwardly blowing wind, made a soft landing. They were in a delta region, a land between two large, flowing rivers, not far from a gulf into which they emptied.

"Are you familiar with this area?" Arcadia asked their pilot.

Diana shook her head. "No," she replied. "This is far east from where I usually travel."

Ashlan had placed Lorewyn's body upon Silvanus' sturdy back. They exited the craft.

"We'll take her with us," Arcadia said soberly. "I want to give her a proper burial."

No one argued as they began walking towards the rising sun, along the banks of one of the rivers.

By noon, the sun was high and hot, and they had found little shade. Silvanus spoke up as they sat down for a rest.

"I'd like to scout ahead," she recommended, "to see if there's anyplace nearby where we can find some shelter." She allowed Ashlan to remove Lorewyn's body.

"Good idea," Diana agreed. They rested near a group of rocks as the unicorn trotted off.

Arcadia had said very little all morning. She sat alone, facing the ground. Ashlan came and sat by her.

"It's not your fault, you know," he said. "Lorewyn knew the risks."

Arcadia looked up, glaring at the Druid. "You don't get it, do you?!" she said fiercely. "Do you have any idea just how many friends and comrades I've lost, simply because we 'knew the risks,' or 'were doing our duty' or whatever? DO YOU?!"

She stood up suddenly, still facing Ashlan. "I am SICK and TIRED of always trying to 'complete the mission!' I fought against the Divine Order, and I lost people close to me. The result? I go to Morningstar, fight some more, do my duty. Result? More loss! I get onboard the Azure-Queen, find a new mission, a new purpose. What happens? I lose everyone, but I still survive! Now I end up here, discover another opportunity to right some wrong, and THIS...!" she points at Lorewyn's corpse. "THIS is what happens... AGAIN! I'm tired of it all!"

Arcadia turned abruptly, and stormed off. Ashlan was about to follow, when Diana took his arm.

"No," she warned. "Let her be."

Arcadia was gone for about a half hour before she returned, more calm.

"I'm sorry," she said to Ashlan and Diana. "I have no right to vent my anger on you."

Silvanus returned shortly. She appeared to have good news.

"You won't believe what I found not far ahead!" she exclaimed.

"What?" Arcadia asked, curious.

"Come along!" the unicorn cried, bounding off again. "You've got to see for yourself!"

Taking Lorewyn's body along, the three of them followed Silvanus to the entrance of a breath-takingly lovely garden. It seemed to spring from nowhere! There were fruit-filled trees, green, grassy meadows, crystal-clear brooks and streams. It was almost too good to be true!

"See what I mean?" Silvanus exclaimed. "A perfect resting place."

"Yeah," Arcadia remarked cynically, "almost TOO perfect!"

"This is impossible!" Diana commented under her breath, taking in the panorama. "This CAN'T be here!"

"What can't be here?" Ashlan asked.

Diana sighed, not quite sure what to believe. "I think I know what this place is," she said, "but I just can't see how it's still here!"

The group walked among the natural splendor, gazing in awe. They tasted the fruits of the trees. Delicious! Diana walked over to one tree in particular. Her eyes opened wide as she examined its fruit.

"I simply CANNOT believe it!" she exclaimed.

"Just what are you talking about?" Arcadia demanded. "What can't you believe?"

Diana took a fruit from the tree she was examining. She held it up for the rest to see.

"Unless I'm seriously mistaken," she explained, "what I'm holding right now is fruit from the Tree of Life!"

Ashlan was stunned. "But... that's impossible!" he cried. "That would make this place..."

"Yep," Diana said. "The Garden of Eden."

"The what?" Arcadia asked, not understanding.

It took some time for Diana to explain to her the story.

"According to the Hebrews," she said, "the Garden of Eden was mankind's ancestral home, until their God banished man and woman for disobedience. A guard was placed at the entrance, preventing them access to the Tree of Life, and immortality. It's said that the garden was destroyed with the Great Flood, but... I guess they were wrong."

"Is it this fruit that gives immortality?" Arcadia asked, most intrigued.

"According to the stories, yes," Ashlan replied. "I heard the words myself years ago, but... I never imagined I would ever see it!"

Arcadia took of the fruit, holding it, looking at it inquisitively.

"Why isn't the guard still here?" she asked.

"I don't know," Diana replied. "It could be that he left before the coming of the Flood."

"This makes no sense," Ashlan remarked. "Are we the ONLY ones on this planet who know this now? I mean, surely others would have discovered this and news would have spread, and this tree would have long been harvested!"

"It's not like we're in the Glade, is it?" Arcadia inquired, remembering her experiences before.

"No," Silvanus replied. "That I would know. This is something completely different."

"Hey," Ashlan commented. "Maybe it's just magic, baby!" He laughed, removing his outer cloak, and taking a frolicking roll in the soft grass.

"Well, whatever it is," Arcadia said, smiling, "I'm going to enjoy it for a bit!" She whipped off her garments and plunged in a nearby stream!

***

An hour later, Arcadia emerged on the bank. The others had gone off exploring, to rest, or whatever. She put her bustenhalt and loin cloth back on and went to look once again at Lorewyn's body.

The priestess looked so peaceful, lying there. Arcadia was overcome with a wave of sadness. She knelt down beside the body of her deceased friend.

"You can help her, you know," a voice said.

Arcadia stood up suddenly, looking around. No one else was there.

"Who said that?" she demanded.

"I did," the voice said again. It was coming from the tree. "Over here."

Arcadia walked over to the Tree of Life and glanced up at a branch. A snake was coiled there, looking at her.

"Did you speak?" Arcadia asked, not so surprised after previous encounters.

"I did," the snake replied. "As I said, you can help your friend."

"How?" Arcadia asked. "She's dead!"

"And this tree is the Tree of Life," the snake responded. "Why do you think it's called that?"

"Diana said it gives immortality," Arcadia explained.

"Ha! Silly superstition!" the snake scoffed. "It's TRUE purpose is far more interesting. Care to guess?"

Arcadia thought she saw the snake's point. "You mean... this fruit can bring someone dead back to life?"

"Bingo!" the snake exclaimed, hissing in satisfaction.

Arcadia reached up and took one of the fruits. It WAS an attractive item! And if it really could restore Lorewyn... what could it hurt?

"Well...?" the snake said.

Arcadia took the fruit and brought it over to Lorewyn. She carefully placed a piece of it in her mouth, and manipulated her jaw as to get it down her throat. At first nothing happened, then, as if jolted by a wave of electricity, the priestess shuddered, and gagged, spitting out part of the unswallowed fruit. She opened her eyes and sat up.

"LOREWYN!" Arcadia cried, throwing her arms around her resurrected friend. "You're alive! You're alive!"

Diana, Ashlan, and Silvanus returned to the spot near the tree shortly after, only to find Arcadia and Lorewyn swimming together in the nearby pond, talking and laughing together. Ashlan's mouth dropped open.

"LOREWYN!" he cried. "How... what...?!"

It took Arcadia some time to explain about the snake and the fruit. Silvanus seemed quite suspicious.

"Well, however, it happened, you're back with us!" Diana exclaimed, hugging her resurrected Sal'terran friend.

"To think I nearly lost you," Arcadia said, holding Lorewyn's hand. "I don't imagine I could have gone on."

"I'm here, Arcadia," Lorewyn replied sweetly, kissing her friend on the cheek. "You don't have to lose me ever again, if you so wish!"

"Well, are we feeling refreshed now?" Diana said, picking up her bow and pack. "Ready to move forward?"

Arcadia nodded and began walking towards the entrance of the garden along with her group. None of them noticed the snake in the tree behind them, grinning maliciously.

They soon reached the edge of the garden. Lorewyn stumbled and fell suddenly.

"What's wrong?" Arcadia asked, immediately at her side.

"I... can't..." Lorewyn replied, weakly. "I... feel... like..." she suddenly slumped in Arcadia's arms.

"Quick!" Ashlan exclaimed. "Pull her back!" He helped Arcadia pull Lorewyn off the path and back into the garden. The priestess seemed to regain strength. She stood up on her own.

"I don't understand," she remarked. "I can't seem to cross the garden's threshhold."

Arcadia cursed under her breath. "Let's try it again," she recommended.

Escorted by Arcadia and the Druid, Lorewyn once again approached the edge of the garden. Again, she fell, losing all strength, as she neared the boundary. They pulled her back, the effect revitalizing her. It was clear that Lorewyn could not leave the garden and live!

"Arcadia, can I talk to you for a moment, alone?" Silvanus said.

Arcadia walked over to the unicorn and came close to listen.

"This is a delusion of some sort," Silvanus explained, "some trick by that snake you mentioned. That's probably not really Lorewyn. This could be some deception to confuse you and keep you here."

"Deception?!" Arcadia cried. "I felt her! She's alive. It's her, I know it! And what do you mean 'me?' Am I so easily confused?"

"Arcadia, you've got to listen to me," Silvanus warned. "I sense something very wrong here. We've got to leave this garden, and that means that Lorewyn, or whatever she is, cannot go with us!"

"Sorry, I just can't accept that!" Arcadia replied, angrily, and returned to the rest of the group.

"Diana, Ashlan," Arcadia said to the others, "you two and Silvanus go on without me. I'm staying here. It's clear that Lorewyn can't leave this garden. I can't just leave her alone. She's my friend. So, I'm remaining behind with her. You'll do all right against the Olympians without me. Rendezvous with the Valhallans. Everything will work out just fine."

"Arcadia, I can't believe this!" Ashlan exclaimed. "This isn't like you at all!"

"You would really stay behind?" Lorewyn asked, seemingly shocked, "for me?"

"Yes, I will," Arcadia affirmed, taking her hand. "You're my friend. I won't lose you again, not this time!"

"You're making a big mistake, Arcadia!" Diana said. "You're under some kind of spell, a delusion of some sort. This is isn't real! Now, we've got a battle to fight. And we can't fight it from here!"

"Diana's right," Silvanus agreed. "This is probably one of the Olympians' tricks, and you've fallen for it!"

"Arcadia, please," Ashlan pleaded. "I loved Lorewyn too. But she's gone. We have to accept it and move on to do what we've got to do!"

Arcadia shook her head in anger. "No!" she exclaimed. "None of you understand! Don't you see? I've been given a second chance. I've lost too many friends in my life. I'm NOT going to lose another one, not if I can help it!"

Diana sighed, and took out her bow. "I really didn't want it to come to this," she said, "but if I can't convince you any other way..." she nocked an arrow and aimed at Lorewyn.

Arcadia had Starburst unsheathed in an instant, and wielded the sword ferociously in defense. She stood between Lorewyn and the archer.

"You take one shot, Diana," Arcadia warned, "and I'll severe your head from your neck before you can reload!"

"Mistress, please," Starburst said, gently but firmly. "Do not bring me into this conflict. I will obey your commands, only please consider another course."

"Arcadia, this is insane!" the Druid cried, anxiously. "We're your friends! Please listen to us!"

"I won't let you hurt her!" Arcadia screamed, in a maddening rage. "None of you! You'll have to get through me first!" She continued holding the sword threateningly, glaring at Diana. The archer slowly lowered her bow. Arcadia was still fuming, however.

"Arcadia," Silvanus said gently, "would the Lorewyn you know allow you to make this kind of choice?"

Arcadia slowly lowered Starburst, beginning to think rationally. She turned to face her friend.

"Lorewyn?" she asked, trembling. "Are you really you? I mean, would you really let me stay here with you and allow the others to go on without me?"

The priestess smiled, and took Arcadia by the shoulders. "I want only what will make you happy," she replied.

A tear came to Arcadia's eye, as she put her sword back in its sheath, and embraced her friend.

"Being with you again will make me happy," she cried. "Not having to lose someone I love again will make me happy!" Sobbing, and still holding onto the priestess, Arcadia couldn't help but think back to that day, years ago, on the bridge of the DawnQuest, frozen in time, when she had to say goodbye to...

Lorewyn's features suddenly changed. Instead of the graceful Sal'terran woman embracing Arcadia tenderly, it was a tall, handsome, familiar man, dressed in the vestments of a cleric of the Divine Order. The gentle baritone voice spoke.

"You never have to lose me again, my love," the image of Tristan said. "Never."

Arcadia looked up at him, startled. She gasped. "TRISTAN!" she cried out, pulling him close with such passion that she had never known.

Suddenly, she withdrew herself. Arcadia wiped a tear from her eye, and gazed at the image standing before her.

"No," she said, almost to herself. "You can't be real."

Tristan took a step closer, still holding out his arms to her. "I'm as real as you want me to be," he said. "We can be together here, in this place, for as long as you desire."

"NO!" Arcadia screamed, shaking her head in turmoil. "You're not him! You're not Lorewyn! THIS ISN'T REAL!!!"

In a fiery and confused rage, Arcadia suddenly unsheathed Starburst again, and with a powerful stroke, sliced towards the image's midsection. As the blade made contact, the image simple vanished, the illusion shattering in a brilliant burst of light. The body of Lorewyn lay on the ground in its place, dead, as before.

Arcadia dropped the sword at her side, and fell to the ground on her knees, sobbing. Ashlan and Diana came up behind her and gently place their hands on her shoulders, sympathetically and comfortingly.

Getting to her feet, slowly, Arcadia clung to her friends, crying on Ashlan's shoulder, weeping bitterly, in agony.

"I'm sorry," she cried. "I'm so sorry...!"

Together, Diana and Ashlan walked with Arcadia, followed by Silvanus, out of the garden. The snake, still watching from the tree, changed in form and dropped from the branch. Sonya stood up, smiling as she observed the group leave the garden. As Arcadia and her friends got further away, the garden slowly dissolved into nothingness, as the black-haired woman strolled away towards the twin rivers laughing to herself at the mischievous irony.

We continued on our way north to hopefully rendezvous with the Valhallans. Several days passed, our journey long. We trekked through much of what Diana called Asia Minor, on our way through Achaia and to Asgard beyond. No sign as of yet from our messenger Pegasus. My heart is heavy as we travel. The loss of Lorewyn, and the false hope given to me in the garden, weighs me down. I feel empty, lost. I once thought there was some meaning and purpose to my actions, my life as a Heretic, fulfilling my duty to others. I'm just not so sure anymore. I don't understand the cost. I don't know if I have the strength or will left to fight another person's, or planet's, battle.

We rest one night near the ruins of a city on the coast. One of us always keeps watch. The threat of the Olympians is always at hand. Sasha and Sonya know of our presence, and apparently have ways to track us. I lay my head next to Silvanus, trying to find warmth and comfort in my steed and friend, the unicorn. Diana and Ashlan seem undaunted by the task ahead. I wish I still had their conviction!

The next morning we came across a peculiar structure just outside the ruins. It was an open-air arena, sort of, though obviously not designed for combat. There were stone-seats formed in a semi-circle, and a platform in front.

"What is it?" I asked, as we came near to the stage.

"It's an amphitheatre," Diana explained. "A medium for communication and entertainment among the people who live in these parts. The Achaians enjoy theatre."

"Theatre?" I asked, puzzled.

"A drama," Silvanus added. "Actors take roles and perform."

"I'm not sure I understand," I said, still confused.

Almost as in answer to my inquiries, the stage suddenly changed. Backdrops mysteriously formed. Props appeared. The platform became alive with people, dressed in peculiar costumes. From out of nowhere, there was music, although I could see no instruments. We all backed up a few steps, completely amazed.

CHORUS: Does the song remain the same?
Do the lyrics ever change?
Can we change the course of fate?
Or will it always be too late?

I pulled Diana close, whispering in her ear.

"What the hell IS this?" I asked.

Diana seemed quite confounded, however. "I have no idea," she whispered back. "This isn't like any theatre I've ever heard of before!"

The chorus finished, and an ornately-dressed man stepped forward.

MC: Greetings, friends! Welcome to our little show.

ARCADIA: Who are you? WHAT are you?

MC: We live outside the cycles of time, as you know them. From time to time, we appear when there is need, and perform our show for those who will watch.

ASHLAN (whispering): Just what kind of show is this?

MC: My friend, it is a story of drama, of courage, of love, of duty, of self-sacrifice. It is a story which needs to be heard by every generation, and even presented as a reminder to those who know the story so well.

MC: (pauses, looking at Arcadia): It is your story, Arcadia Shazemne.

I was quite shocked. I gazed in wonder at the stage, and at the Master of Ceremonies.

ARCADIA: My story?

MC: Yes. As a great battle is about to ensue which will change the course of this planet's history, we tell your story, to you and your friends. It's a powerful story, with a powerful message. One that needs to be told, and heard.

Ashlan pulled us aside for a moment.

"I don't like this," he said. "How do we know it's not a trick? Something by the Olympians?"

Diana looked intently upon the stage, the actors, the effects. "I don't think the Olympians would be capable of pulling this off, and it certainly isn't their style!" she exclaimed.

The MC continued.

MC: Your story, Arcadia, starts a long time ago, in a universe which no longer exists. A brave group of warriors, fighting to retain their independence against the growing threat of His Shadow's Divine Order. A brave woman, in particular, who sees a need, and acts.

(MC steps back, allowing actors to come forward; a dark-haired woman, who looks much like Arcadia, takes center stage; music begins)

WOMAN: The beauty of Valhalla we will no more see,
His Shadow rises upon us, in certain victory,
My friends the time has come to leave our home,
And sojourn as exiles in the Dark Zone.

CHORUS: And sojourn as exiles in the Dark Zone!

WOMAN: My heart pains to leave this place,
The cradle of nurture for our race,
But follow me, brethren, and see,
A new world awaits us, we can be free!

CHORUS: A new world awaits us, we can be free!

(woman and chorus fade to back; MC takes center)

MC: Many of the Valhallans, did not make it to their hoped-for destination. Arcadia's brave ancestor led a small group to this little blue planet here. But, in the Light Universe, His Shadow dominated civilization after civilization. His League of Planets grew. The Valhallan colonies were taken, one by one. Years passed, however, and a resistance arose. Heretics, who lived on Ostral-B, a former Valhallan colony, their bloodline still burning with independence and fire, rose to challenge His Shadow's rule. Reform Planets sprung up, in resistance. Arcadia herself was born, and made a choice.

(MC holds out scepter to Arcadia on the ground)

MC: Come, sing with us, and play your role in our show.

I was stunned, not sure of what to do.

"I still don't like this," Ashlan said. "Arcadia, be careful!"

Diana approached me. "Is this really true?" she asked. "I never knew this about Ostral-B history."

"I didn't either," I replied.

"Well?" the MC asked. "Will you play a part?"

"I'm afraid I don't know the lyrics," I explained.

"Not to worry," the MC remarked. "It's your story. The words will find you."

I thought for a moment, then got on stage.

(Arcadia's outfit changes to that of traditional Ostral-B attire; an actor playing Thodin joins her onstage)

THODIN: The need is plain, for all to see,
His Shadow's reign is tyranny!
We must have young people like you,
If we are ever to see our mission through!

ARCADIA: My heart knows no fear,
My eyes shed not a tear,
This battle is also mine,
For you are me, and I am thine.

I paused, thinking about the lyrics coming from my mouth, as if they were a part of me. Did I really feel that way at some point? About duty? About devotion to a cause, a people? It seemed so long ago, yet, in a way, just yesterday!

MC: Arcadia bravely risked her life on several missions for the Ostral-B heretics. She went to Flight School, became a pilot, rose quickly through the ranks. She soon learned the meaning of personal sacrifice!

(MC moves aside; new actors take places in groups; music begins again; one group starts their segment; Arcadia and actress playing Sonya, naked, in a sexual position)

SONYA: What choice do you have, my lovely slave?
A heretic true, but still so brave?
You're all mine now, let me taste your delight,
And please me as well all through the night!

ARCADIA: 'Tis pleasant, yes, but my motive unseen,
To lust not so, and my senses keen,
My moment comes, I can soon escape,
And with her belt, around her nape!

(Arcadia uses Sonya's belt to strangle her; scene freezes; new group takes center; Arcadia is on stage with girl acting as the child Zev, still locked in box; Arcadia trying to get them both out of the cargo bay)

ZEV: How I wish the time was so,
I could be free and with you go,
Kind lady you are and flee you must,
Never forget me, please, I trust?

ARCADIA: Little girl, I try your fetters,
And sadly admit they got the better,
Too little time for more, I fear,
I leave you now, alone, my dear!

(scene freezes; MC takes center)

MC: And Arcadia learned something of loss as well.

(stands aside; new scene; actor playing Tristan is seated "frozen in time" on board the DawnQuest; Arcadia is standing nearby, witnessing the last moments of his life in a suspended state from the Portal; music begins, much more dramatic, with sadness)

ARCADIA: How I wish there'd be more time
To tell you all I feel
I fear that chance I'll never get
Your fate this soon will seal
But please know this, my love,
As you look from above,
I'll remember you... I'll miss you!

CHORUS: Cherish the moment... it will not come again!

ARCADIA: I was too afraid before
To profess my love for you
Now the time is far too past
There's nothing I can do
But Tristan hear me now,
Though I don't know how,
I'll remember you... I'll miss you!

CHORUS: Cherish each precious day... they may not come
again!

(scene ends; stage is emptied, save for Arcadia who is now kneeling at center, weeping)

Diana stepped forward near the stage. I slowly arose, wiping the tears from my eyes, remembering each bitter moment, re-living these events in this theatre.

"I never realized you had to go through such hardships before," she remarked. "No wonder Lorewyn's death was so painful for you."

Ashlan came forward. "Is it doing any good for you to re-live these events in this dramatic way?" he asked. "I say let's get going and let the past be the past!"

"There's so much more to the story, though," the MC said.

"Well, I've heard enough," the Druid replied. "Are we ready now?"

Diana looked at me. "Arcadia?" she asked, wanting affirmation.

I gazed around at the stage. I glanced at the MC. There was something appealing about all this. Painful, yes, but therapeutic.

"I want to stay for a while," I answered. "I want to continue the show."

"Suit yourself," Ashlan said. "We've got to get moving. Silvanus? Diana?"

The other two didn't move. "I'd like to see Arcadia's story, actually," the unicorn insisted.

"Me too," Diana agreed. "It's quite enlightening, really."

Ashlan sighed, and took a seat, reluctantly.

(the MC takes center again, and continues)

MC: But with Tristan's death and the end of the DawnQuest, and Morningstar, Arcadia found a new adventure, a new quest to fulfill. Her life on board the Azure-Queen had begun!

(with a flourish, the MC steps aside; actors representing Captain Jaden Knight and Vixen come on stage; music begins)

VIXEN: Look what this devilish woman has done,
Look at the mess that we're in!
Lost in the Dark Zone, passengers gone,
This woman is guilty as sin!

JADEN: She's part of our crew now, part of our hope,
We must keep on moving as if,
Put malice aside, put a lid on our pride,
It's bad enough as it is, we're adrift!

ARCADIA: It's all for the best, please believe me I beg,
You don't understand what's in store,
An end of all life as we know it, that's what,
We need to be searching for more.

CHORUS: A new dawn begins, a new ship, a new crew,
Yet something is ever the same,
Our heroine's hope is still burning alive,
She's holding on, still in the game!

I couldn't believe that I had once looked at the future with such optimism. Yet, that was me! My world had collapsed back there on Calashadir, but I had found a new home, with a new group of companions whom I called family. Could that fire ever be re-kindled in me, I wondered?

MC: Arcadia gave five years of her life to the Azure-Queen, suffering the loss of her captain, and her friend, Jaden Knight. She took on the responsibility of not only finding a new home for herself in the Dark Zone, but for a group of fellow wayward travellers as well.

(scene changes to a collage of drama involving Arcadia and the Sal'terrans; actress playing Lorewyn is present among company; music begins)

LOREWYN: Your ship, your home, your life, your soul,
You sacrifice for us?
To simply bring us to a brave new world,
And end our wanderlust?

ARCADIA: I gave my word to one so true,
Break it I never could,
To Terra Nova, my heart I pledge,
Soon see it we all should.

(scene changes; shows Gaer-Edhel and Virgil, and the destruction of the Azure-Queen; chorus picks up)

CHORUS: Stranded she is, on a little blue gem,
Adrift in a cosmos of loss and despair,
What comfort she has is in friends close and dear,
More loss, now would that be so fair?

(stage clears; MC takes center)

MC: But Arcadia had more loss to realize. She could never return to her home, for it was no more. The Light Universe was gone. Friend after friend, loved one after loved one, was being taken from her. And now, with the loss of Lorewyn, our heroine's courage and heart had lost its vigor, and her goals had become clouded and faded...

"Stop, Stop!" I cried, interrupting. "Why are you doing this? I know what I've lost! I know the cost of duty, the pain of sacrifice! Why are you telling me what I already know?!"

The MC came over and took me by the shoulder. "Because, Arcadia," he said gently, "there is more to your story than you realize. Behold!"

(a group of actors come out on stage, each portraying a person in Arcadia's past. They queue up, and come forward one at a time)

THODIN: I saw hope in a younger generation of heretics
which inspired my efforts. Because of you.

CELESTE: I saw someone who wouldn't accept death and
defeat, and inspired me to be more passionate
about healing. Because of you.

JEZZY: I saw someone who understood what love and
commitment was all about, not just physically,
and who became an example, and the only friend I
ever really had. Because of you.

TRISTAN: I saw someone who accepted me, with all my
weaknesses, who wouldn't give up on me, and
helped me be the leader that I needed to be.
Because of you.

JADEN: I saw someone who charmed me with a wit, cunning,
and dedication to others that was unmatched in all
my travels. Because of you.

VIXEN: I saw someone who could put our personal problems
aside, and focus on the real need, which would
benefit so many others. Because of you.

VIRGIL: I saw someone who could make a team work, putting
their skills to the best use, and inspire others
to do their very best. Because of you.

LOREWYN: I saw someone who would give up every comfort she
ever could conceive of, simply to find my people
a home, and fight for us and with us so that we
could make that place our own. Because of you.

(stage clears; Arcadia is left alone at center)

The amphitheatre suddenly changed again. The stage went bare, the props and actors vanished, and the music ceased. I looked out at the audience, seeing my friends, my companions sitting there, having watched the show, and seen my soul bare open on stage.

Diana approached me. She put her hand on my shoulder, then took me in her arms and embraced me. Ashlan smiled, and came forward and joined the circle. Silvanus trotted up to us as well.

I pulled away, my heart lighter and fuller than I had felt in a long time. I looked at my comrades, and grinned.

"Let's go kick some Olympian ass!"

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