Europa Awakenings Page 15

Europa sat on the bed, waited until she was sure Jeanip had gone into his room and would not return. She glanced at the weapon he had left on her night stand. Jeanip had always insisted that she, and her mother, know how to fire a variety of firearms, and now she knew why. The day might soon arrive when she might have to take another’s life in order to save hers or a member of her extended family. Once she was sure it was okay, she quickly retrieved her hidden treasures and laid them on the bed. She retrieved a notebook and pen from her desk and recorded the items on the pad. She wanted to compare her list with Terrance’s when he returned to see if they could find a connection.

  The map to the Complex did not interest her since she had no idea what or where it was, nor could she read the writing on it. The deed was straightforward, showing the people who originally purchased the land were an Enok and Medaron Waters in 1658. Jeanip had confirmed her grandparents that settled there bore the same name as her parents. Setting the deed aside, she picked up the map of Minnos and concentrated on it. Remembering seeing a secret tunnel, she scanned the map, looking specifically for it and its entrance to the ocean. At first its location eluded her, but then she saw it clearly indicated on the map. Europa traced the tunnel back from the cave into the house and was not surprised to discover it ended in the room next to the kitchen on the main floor - Jeanip’s room. She knew it was the perfect place for a hidden entrance because no one was allowed inside that room without a special invitation from Jeanip himself due to all the hi-tech security devices and grids the room contained. She wondered why Jeanip had felt the necessity to construct such a tunnel. Then she thought perhaps Jeanip had nothing to do with its construction. Perhaps it was built when the original settlers built the cottage to give them a safe escape route in case of attack or other unforeseen danger. Her ancestors were the only Caucasians at the time within hundreds of miles and perhaps they feared for their safety.

  She began to scrutinize the map further, trying to determine where the cave was located. If she was reading it correctly, the cave appeared to be right under Water’s Rock, a large bluff with a sheer drop to the ocean. Several of the streams on the property emptied into a larger stream several miles before the edge of the bluff before cascading over the edge as a waterfall. She made a mental note to search the area once she was able to leave Minnos and to investigate if the cave still existed, and if so, what purpose it served.

  Europa jumped, startled by the sound of her watch’s alarm announcing the hour of midnight. She had become so engrossed in her treasures she forgot it was set to tell her when it was time to return to the attic. Ever since her dreams the previous night, she felt an ever increasing desire to see and possibly touch the Orb again. Once more she sensed it was calling to her, beckoning her to return and connect with it again. She knew that was an absurd idea, but she had to admit she and the Orb had somehow interacted together, forming some strange bond. Having no previous experience with such a device, she had no idea what it was capable of or what her touch might have triggered – or awakened. The thought she might have activated the Orb scared her, yet intrigued her at the same time.

  Europa quietly crossed the room to her dresser, opened her sweater drawer and felt around underneath them until her hand hit cold metal. She grabbed the metal and pulled it out, revealing her mother’s ring of keys. She had slipped them into her pajama pants’ pocket the last time she was in her mother’s room and had left in such a hurry she had forgotten to put them back. She was now glad she hadn’t. These keys were going to unlock her mother’s door and grant her access to the attic and the Orb. She slipped the keys into her pocket where they would remain safely hidden in the event she was discovered out in the hallway.

  However, before she could leave her room she needed to devise a plan to make anyone who might check on her think she was in her room. Since she had promised Jeanip she would leave her door open when she went to bed, she opted not to stuff her bed to give the illusion she was sleeping. As she looked around, trying to determine a good disguise, she saw her shower. She knew instantly that was her cover. She quickly switched the bathroom lights on, turned the shower on low and closed the bathroom door. The masquerade of a shower would also allow her to leave her bathroom door closed, thus giving her an added concealment. Taking a deep breath, she silently opened her door and stepped into the hallway. Motionless, she listened for the sound of anyone up. She could hear Birea snoring lightly in the next room, signaling she was still asleep. She peered carefully down the staircase to see the almost indiscernible figure of Triton asleep on the rug to the right of the stairs. Assured the silence meant it was okay to proceed, Europa carefully tiptoed down the hallway toward her mother’s room, being careful to avoid the wooden boards known to creak. At last she made it to the door, carefully removed the key ring, taking care they did not clank together, inserted one of the keys and turned the lock. Silently stepping inside, she closed and relocked the door behind her. She flipped on the second light and scurried across the floor to her mother’s closet, pushing the clothes aside and almost running up the small flight of stars. As she stepped off the top step, the Orb began to glow and softly hum as it had when she touched it. But she was still several feet away. Was it glowing and humming in response to her presence? Had she been right, had the Orb been waiting for her to return?

  As she tried to determine what was happening with the Orb, she suddenly realized another light was illuminating the room. Alarmed, she looked around expecting to see Jeanip or Birea, but there was no one. She looked down and realized the newly introduced light was coming from the amulet around her neck. It too was now glowing and omitting a low hum in unison with the Orb. Without hesitation, Europa walked to the Orb and placed her hands upon it. Just as before, threads of lavender, purple, blue and yellow began to emanate from the Orb, entwining around her hands and circling up her arms. This time she did not remove her hands but kept them firmly upon the Orb, no longer fearing it was some type of security device. The threads of light continued up her arms, then progressed to her shoulders, her neck, her chest, her head, until her entire body was entwined in glowing light. Although she knew she should be scared, Europa felt relaxed and unafraid, somehow knowing the Orb meant her no harm. She closed her eyes and images began to appear in her mind of the luminous beings she had seen in her dreams. There were thousands of the beings swimming through the waters, so graceful and beautiful that the image almost brought tears to her eyes. As she continued to watch them, she suddenly realized she could hear them talking, but not verbally as humans do. These beings spoke telepathically. She was hearing their thoughts. Without warming, the water churned a bright purple as many of the beings vanished amidst screams of terror and pain. The scene shifted and before her appeared the male and a female who wore the amulets identical to hers. She watched as another being approach them, raised one of his wings to his forehead and addressed the two.

  “Enok, Medaron, it is time for us to leave. The time Enoquin stipulated came and passed several days ago. We can delay the evacuation no longer, Your Majesties. If we see we are in error we can always return. But for now, it is important that we get our people, and you, to safety, away from our homeworld.”

  “But we do not have enough transports to take everyone. And what about the Orbs? We cannot allow them to be destroyed,” the female sadly said.

  “Many Oonocks had already stated they will not leave their homeland, Your Majesty. For those who do wish to leave, we will take as many as we can. As for the Orbs, you are right – they cannot be destroyed. Our history, our culture, our very heritage is contained within them. But remember, FarCore is not of this world, only its entrance is. The Orbs are safe inside FarCore. As for the empty Orbs, they have already been gathered and taken to the ships. Each group will take several Orbs with them to record their travels so that future generations may know of our struggles to live, where we came from and why we left our homeworld,”
the male being replied.

  “Jeanip is right, Medaron,” the first male stated, taking his mate’s hand into his own and looking into her eyes. “This was the decision we made when my parents left. We must get as many of our people as possible to safety and help them build a new life, a new world. You carry with you the entrance to FarCore. I promise you that, when we reach our new home, I will build you a sanctuary where you can place the entrance to FarCore. Together, we will place the Orbs that travel with us inside FarCore where they will be safe for all eternity.”

  “As always, you are right, My Dearest Love,” the female said, as she softly placed her hand beside his cheek. “Together, with the aid of the Quanundocii, we will save our people.”

  “Yes we will, My Only Love.” The first male turned to address the second male. “Alright, Jeanip, we are ready to leave. Are Misso, Tiree and Reemee on board?”

  “Yes, Sire.”

  Europa watched as the scene changed to a landscape of ice, with a large brownish-red planet floating in space in the distance. Suddenly, the ice burst open and through the opening emerged a number of spaceships. They hovered for a moment above the ice, then broke into groups of two and three before sailing off in different directions. As she watched the ships sail away, she was startled when a huge flash of light erupted behind them. A plume of red liquid fire shot out into space to the right of the ships, destroying several. She watched as the planet became a large ball of fire as the fire plume ignited the volatile gases encircling the planet, consuming everything in its path. Soon it began to fold into itself as huge windstorms were created, ripping the very planet apart. She gasped as the planet turned into a reddish-orange and white sphere of swirling gases with an enormous red wind storm clearly visible in its lower quadrant. Europa realized she had just witnessed the birth of the great gaseous planet Jupiter and the spaceships had emerged from beneath the ice barrier of their moon. Their homeworld was Europa!

  ____________

  Terrance hurried and got dressed the next morning, quickly packing his suitcases. In his backpack he placed the articles from his father’s room, burying them safely under a jacket and hoodie. He grabbed the envelope of dog tranquilizers he had purchased and slipped it into his pocket. Hearing the bellboy knock, he looked around the room to be sure he had not left anything behind. He opened the door and handed the bellboy his father’s luggage. Picking up his two suitcases plus his backpack, he followed the bellboy downstairs, closing his door behind him. He walked to the front desk and checked out, still having trouble believing he was really going to stay at Minnos. Handing the desk clerk his father’s two suitcases and his address, he asked her to ship the baggage to his father’s residence in Michigan.

  Knowing Misso would have breakfast for him, he bypassed the dining room and walked briskly out the door. Anxiety racing through his body, he waited for Sunam on the porch, his backpack containing his treasures securely on his back, a suitcase in each hand. As he waited he noticed the sheriff crossing the street heading toward him.

  “Hi, Mr. Landers, I was wondering if you had a minute?” the sheriff asked.

  “Actually, I’m waiting for a ride,” Terrance replied. “He should be here any minute.”

  “Since it seems he has not arrived yet I’d like to ask you about your father.”

  “My father?” Terrance repeated, suddenly alarmed his father’s disappearance had become known to the police. Or even worse, they also thought he had something to do with Mrs. Waters’ death.

  “We received a call from the University of Michigan saying he had not returned and they were wondering if we knew if he was still in town,” the sheriff stated. “The inn’s manager said he never returned to claim his belongings in his room. Do you know where your father is?”

  “He left me a note stating something important had come up and he had to return immediately to the university. He said he didn’t have time to collect his belongings and asked if I would bring them with me when I returned to Michigan,” Terrance lied, commanding his eyes to look directly into the sheriff’s. “I haven’t heard from him since then.”

  “Did he tell you what prompted his return?” the sheriff asked, doubt clearly visible on his face.

  “No, just that it was something important. If he didn’t go back to the university, perhaps he’s out on another field study.”

  “”Could you please get the note for me, Mr. Landers?”

  “Excuse me?” Terrance asked, hoping he had not heard the sheriff’s request correctly.

  “The note your father left you telling you he was returning to Michigan. Would you please get it so I can verify your story and inform the university,” the sheriff stated, apparently having no intention of leaving until he saw the note.

  Terrance froze, panic starting to seep into his being. How could he get the note when he had made it up? Trying to quickly think of his next move, he was relieved to see Sunam pull into the parking lot. “Sorry, Sheriff, but my ride is here. I remember throwing the note into one of my suitcases. I’ll dig it out and send it to your office tomorrow morning, if that’s okay.”

  “No, that is not okay,” the sheriff replied. “I need to see it now.”

  “I’m sorry, Sheriff, but my ride is on a tight schedule,” Terrance stated. “So, unless you have a warrant or plan to arrest me, you will have to wait until tomorrow.”

  Terrance could see the sheriff was annoyed by the thought of having to wait until the following day to see the note, but, upon seeing it was Sunam in the truck, he did not press the matter.

  “Is there a problem here?” Sunam asked, as he exited the truck and took Terrance’s suitcases, putting them in the back of the truck and securing them. He turned to stare at the sheriff. “We are on a very tight schedule, Sheriff.”

  “No, no problem, Sunam,” the sheriff answered. Looking at Terrance he added, “I will expect that note first thing tomorrow, Mr. Landers. Or I will come looking for it.” He then turned and left.

  Without saying a word Terrance quickly hopped in the truck hoping they would leave before the sheriff changed his mind and took him in for questioning. Sunam nodded to the sheriff, then slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine and drove away. Terrance saw the smirk on Sunam’s face and realized how much power the Waters commanded in town. Not even the sheriff would go up against Jeanip or one of his men, a fact for which he was truly grateful for at the moment.

  As the day before, the ride to Minnos was quiet. Sunam did not speak, not even to ask Terrance what the sheriff wanted. Terrance was thankful for Sunam’s silence, but was also curious as to the reason. Was he simply respecting Terrance’s privacy or did he plan on informing Jeanip and leaving it up to him to deal with Terrance and the sheriff? Whatever the reason, he could not allow himself the luxury of worrying about it at the moment. He had bigger problems – mainly the nonexistent note. He used the time in the car to devise a plan to cover his father’s disappearance. His father often disappeared, so he really was not concerned about him, but he was alarmed about what would happen if Jeanip and the sheriff found out he lied to both of them.

  ____________

  Europa sat at the kitchen table waiting for Terrance, holding a cup of coffee in her hand, occasionally taking a sip. She had informed Misso she would wait for Terrance so they could eat breakfast together. She had so much to tell him, things she could barely believe herself. Glancing at the clock for the tenth time, she wondered what was taking them so long. It was less than a thirty minute drive each way, and Sunam had been gone for over an hour. Perhaps Terrance had changed his mind! Finally, she heard the sound of the truck pulling up in front of the house. She bounded from the table and ran to the door. Just as she was about to go through the door and run down the stairs into his arms, she heard Birea remind her she was not to go outside. Remembering her promise to Jeanip Europa stopped, almost falling over from the suddenness of her halt. She took sever
al steps back and waiting for Terrance a few feet in front of the doorway.

  “Royals do not run to people,” Jeanip said from the stairs. “Even if they are one’s boyfriend. A royal waits for people to come to them.”

  Europa had not seen Jeanip sitting on the stairs, examining Triton’s injured paw. She was very thankful for Birea’s reminder. Jeanip had been so accommodating about Terrance’s visits she did not want to do anything to jeopardize them. Her face red with embarrassment, she looked at Jeanip and nodded her head.

  “You are correct, Jeanip. I forgot for a moment who I was.”

  “Understandable,” he replied. “If I was a young woman and had such a handsome man coming to see me, I’d probably want to run down the stairs too. Thank you for abiding by your word not to leave the cottage.” He rewrapped Triton’s paw, patted him on the head and said, “That paw still has some mending to do. Remember, Triton, no stairs.”

  Triton gave a huff through his nose, as if he disagreed. He limped over to his rug and plopped down on it, clearly not happy.

  “See, Europa, even the dog doesn’t like my decisions,” Jeanip chuckled, then left the room.

  Hearing the sound of the front door opening, Europa acted the part of her position and walked to Terrance. He grabbed her in his arms and pulled her close to him.

  “We’ve got problems. We need somewhere private to talk,” he whispered as quietly as possible in her ear. Then he gave her a small ‘good morning’ kiss.

  “It will have to wait. Misso is waiting to serve us breakfast,” she whispered back. Taking Terrance’s hand, Europa led the way to the kitchen where Jeanip was also waiting. Both men waited until Europa sat, then seated themselves. Misso brought coffee, orange juice, platters of pancakes and scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, a bowl of hash browns and freshly made cinnamon rolls.

  “Are you expecting more company?” Terrance asked, amazed at all the food.

  “No, Misso just got a little carried away,” Europa answered, sending Misso a warm smile. “This is the first big breakfast she’s cooked since . . .” Europa stopped in midsentence, then added, “for a few days.” Quickly changing the subject she added “Jeanip, is Earon joining us this morning?”

  “No, I believe he ate with the men earlier,” Jeanip said. “He went with them to do some surveillance. Perhaps he’ll be back in time to join us for dinner.”

  The three ate their breakfast, chitchatting about nothing of great importance. Jeanip never mentioned Terrance’s incident with the sheriff, so Terrance assumed Sunam had not told him about the confrontation. Evidently, Sunam had felt the matter was something between Terrance and the sheriff and was not his concern. Terrance made a mental note he owed Sunam big time. When they had finished eating, Jeanip took his leave and headed to his room to work on the plans for the move to Saint’s Isle. Europa informed Misso she and Terrance would be upstairs in her room if anyone was looking for them.

  “Very well, Ma’am,” Misso replied. “Would you like me to bring you some coffee or tea?”

  “Not right now,” Europa answered. “If we decide we want some before lunch I can always ring for you.”

  Taking Terrance’s hand once again, Europa led him upstairs to her room, passing an unhappy Triton still lying on the rug. She escorted him to the sitting area and gestured for him to have a seat. Sitting beside him, she snuggled into his arms, content and feeling secure. He leaned in and gave her a long, warm kiss – the one he had wanted to give her when he first walked through the door.

  “Before I forget, here are those tranquilizers,” Terrance said, as he removed the small packet from his pocket. “Just slip one in a treat and he’ll be asleep for hours.” Seeing Europa’s concerned look, he added, “And I promise, it will not hurt him at all. They are perfectly safe.”

  Europa took the packet and stuffed it underneath the settee cushion. She had more important things to discuss than drugging Triton so she could snoop around the house.

  “Terrance, you are not going to believe what happened last night!” Europa began.

  “Wait, Europa. Before you tell me, I need to tell you what happened this morning. We have a big problem that could end my visits here to see you,” Terrance interrupted.

  A deep look of concern came over Europa’s face. “What do you mean? What problem?”

  “Remember I told you I lied to Jeanip about my father leaving without me?”

  “Yes, I remember.”

  “This morning, while waiting for Sunam, the sheriff approached me and asked if I knew where my father was. He said the university had contacted him because he had not returned to school. And he knew my father never picked up his belongings from his room.”

  “What did you tell him?” Europa asked, a feeling of fear starting to invade her mind.

  “I told him I hadn’t seen him, but he had left me a note stating he had to return to the university immediately and for me to bring his belongings when I went to Michigan. He asked to see the note.”

  “Then show him the note,” Europa stated, not seeing why there was a problem.

  “Europa, there IS no note. I made it up. I had to think of something quick to say and that’s the story I came up with. Luckily, Sunam arrived just then so I told the sheriff I’d send it to his office.”

  “Oh, Terrance,” Europa said, standing up from the couch and beginning to pace. “When you cannot produce the note the sheriff will know you lied. And if Jeanip finds out, he will not trust you anymore.”

  “And I’ll be barred from the estate. I know,” Terrance added, a look of regret and worry clearly visible on his face.

  “And once I leave we will never see each other again. What are we going to do?” Europa asked, her pacing increasing.

  Terrance grabbed her by the shoulder and held her firmly, stopping her pacing. “On the drive here I came up with an idea that might work.”

  “What?” Europa asked, hoping his idea could correct this pending disaster.

  “When I was in school I used to forge notes from my father all the time. He was gone a lot and, well, it was easier for me to write the note than to tell my father what trouble I had gotten into. I became so good at forging his writing even he didn’t know the difference. I thought I would write a note in his handwriting stating he had to leave.”

  “Do you think it will work?”

  “I think so. My father is known for disappearing for weeks, even months at a time, as he goes off on one of his field studies. That’s the reason my mother divorced him. He’d disappear, then show back up, never telling us where he’d been. His trips were always so secretive. Finally, one time when he disappeared my mother took me and we moved back to her hometown in Australia. He’s been in trouble several times over the past few years with the University for disappearing for weeks. They’d probably be surprised he would do it again, especially since he almost was suspended last time, but they would definitely believe it. I think it is our only way out of this mess.”

  “I do not think we have any other choice, Terrance,” Europa stated. “We are going to have to chance it. What do you need to write the note?”

  “Do you have any notebook paper? I thought I’d write it here and drop it in today’s mail. That way the sheriff will get it tomorrow as promised and I won’t have to go back to town to personally deliver it.”

  “I have regular printer paper or stationery. Will either of these do?” Europa asked, as she held up a piece of each

  “No, it has to be notebook paper. My father would only have notebook paper with him in the field.”

  Europa rummaged through her desk, assured that somewhere inside was an old notebook. “Found one,” she announced. “Do you need something to write with too?”

  “I need a pencil. He only takes a pencil with him into the field.”

  Europa quickly brought the notebook and pencil to Terrance. He tore out a sheet of paper and carefully wrote the n
ote in his father’s handwriting. He then folded it in half, then in half again.

  “Do you have an envelope for it?” Terrance asked. ‘It needs to be a plain, white one.”

  “Yes, I believe there is one in my desk.” Europa walked back to her desk and searched through the drawers, finally finding an envelope. “Will this do?” she asked, holding it up for Terrance to see.

  “Yes, that’s perfect. Would you happen to have a stamp too?”

  “I know I do not have one of those up here. I usually get them from Misso. We can ask her for one when she brings us coffee later.”

  Terrance addressed the envelope to the sheriff. He then took the folded letter and wrote a short note to the sheriff on the back, saying he was unable to return to town but here was the note his father had left him. Then he placed it in the envelope and sealed it.

  “Why did you fold it so many times?”

  “My father would have folded it in fourths so it would fit in his pocket, then unfold one fold so it would slip under the door. I watched my father’s habits over the years. If you’re going to try to fool someone that something is from my father, you have to do things the way he would have.” Terrance clarified.

  “Sounds like you have had plenty of practice,” Europa teased.

  “Yes, I’m ashamed to say. I was not the best behaved kid when I was young,” Terrance admitted. “Do you have a mailbox here?”

  “Our mailbox is out at the main gate. I am sure one of the helpers would mail it for us.”

  “What time is your mail run?

  “Gee, that is a good question. Again, we will have to ask Misso. I always just give her my letters and she makes sure they are mailed.”

  “Then perhaps we should ask for coffee now so we can be sure it gets mailed today. Otherwise, the sheriff will be at the front gate tomorrow shouting out my name and demanding to see the letter.”

  “I truly believe that is something we want to avoid.” Europa quickly commented. The thought of the sheriff standing at the front gate shouting out Terrance’s name and Terrance having to explain to Jeanip what the sheriff was doing there sent shivers down her spine. Europa rang the bell for Misso. When she appeared in the doorway, Europa said they were ready for coffee and asked if she might have a stamp for a letter Terrance needed mailed today.

  “Yes,” Misso replied, “I have some downstairs. If you’d like, I can have one of the men run it down to the mailbox for you.”

  “Can we still make today’s mail run?” Terrance asked. “It’s important it goes out today.”

  “The mail man comes around one o’clock,” Misso replied. “I can have Ebar take your letter to the mail box immediately.”

  “Thank you, Misso,” Terrance said, handing Misso the letter. Misso went to the kitchen and returned five minutes later with a refreshment tray, stating Ebar had already left with Terrance’s letter. Taking her leave, she left Terrance and Europa to discuss their findings.

  “Now that that disaster is diverted, what did you want to tell me about last night? I interrupted you earlier.” Terrance asked, reaching for his cup of coffee and several cookies Misso had brought on the tray.

  Europa took a sip of coffee and began to tell him more of her findings. “Terrance, I did not get to finishing telling you last time about the Orb up in the attic.”

  “An Orb? Like they have in fairy tales?” Terrance asked

  “I guess you could say that, except this is not a fairy tale. This is reality.” Europa stated, a tinge of annoyance in her voice. “The first time I touched the Orb, it began to glow and hum very quietly. Strings of light flowed out, encircling my hands and entwining up my arms. I feared it might be one of Jeanip’s security devices, so I let go and avoided it the rest of the time I was up there. Later that night, while I was asleep, I dreamt about the Orb and some luminous beings floating in lilac water.”

  “Luminous beings? You mean like aliens?” Terrance asked, regretting his words when he saw a look of anger cross Europa’s face.

  “Do you want to hear this or not?” Europa demanded.

  “I’m sorry, Europa. It’s just that things are really getting weird. Wait till I tell you about the shape-shifters.”

  “Shape-shifters?” Europa asked in surprise. “What do shape-shifters have to do with all this?”

  “I’ll tell you in a moment. You finish your story first.”

  “Are you sure?” Europa asked.

  “Yes, you finish,” Terrance replied, smiling warmly. “We have so much information, I think it best we exhaust one subject before going on to another.”

  “Very well then,” Europa began. “Last night I returned to the attic. I felt as if the Orb was calling to me, beckoning me to come touch it again. But this time, when I put my hands on it, I did not remove them. Like before, it began to glow and hum, strings of light emerged and began to entwine up my arm. Then I realized the amulet around my neck was starting to glow also and it was humming in unison with the large Orb. As the strings encased my entire body, the humming changed to voices and images appeared before me, images of the same luminous beings I saw in my dreams. There were hundreds of them floating in lilac water. Then the water turned purple and only three beings remained. From what they were saying it sounded like someone named JeffRa was planning to destroy their world and they had to flee. They said there were hundreds of these Orbs and contained the records of their past and would record their journey to this world.”

  “You mean there are more of them? That’s weird.”

  “Wait, Terrance, it gets weirder. Two of the beings I saw wore amulets like the one I have. The third person with them addressed them as Enok and Medaron. They called him Jeanip. Terrance,” Europa said, as she reached for Terrance’s hand, squeezing it hard. “The last thing I saw were spaceships emerging from underneath a barrier of ice and rising into space. The spaceships broke off into groups of two or three and headed in different directions. Behind them was a large planet with this large swirling red storm. Terrance, it was Jupiter!”

  Terrance did not say a word when Europa finished. He pulled his hand away from hers, stood up abruptly and stared down at Europa. Then he began to pace in front of her, trying to absorb the things Europa had just told him. She watched him, waiting for him to speak. She couldn’t tell if he was angry, or upset, or thought she was insane. Finally, unable to withstand the silence anymore, she shouted at him, “Say something, Terrance.”

  Terrance stopped directly in front of her, his eyes meeting hers. “What do you want me to say, Europa? You just basically told me your parents and Jeanip are aliens who fled their world because someone named JeffRa was going to destroy it, a world covered in ice circling Jupiter. Europa, don’t you see? You are talking about Jupiter’s ice moon Europa, the very celestial being your father named you after! Don’t you think that’s a little strange? Plus, we know Europa still exists today. It wasn’t destroyed.”

  “You think I am making this up?”

  “No, not making it up. But I do think you’re imagining things. You yourself told me you suffered a concussion and was unconscious for days. It’s not unheard of for people to have hallucinations when they get a serious concussion. Plus, you just lost your mother and woke up to find out she had already been buried. How do you know your mind is not making this all up as a way for you to deal with your mother’s death?”

  “Because I am not!” Europa yelled. She ran and brought back her mother’s diary and the maps. She threw them at Terrance. “Here is proof. Did I make these things up too? Did I write the diary and draw the maps in my state of fantasy? Did I hide those pictures in your father’s room while I was delusional, forge his journals? Did I?”

  Europa heard loud steps running up the stairs, probably frightened by Terrance and her shouting. She quickly grabbed the diary and maps and hurriedly threw them beneath the couch. Seconds later her door burst open, a clearly worri
ed Jeanip in the doorway holding a rifle in his hand.

  “Jeanip, there is no need for the weapon. We just got into an argument and we got a little bit loud,” Europa promptly stated when she saw Jeanip’s rifle in his hand. Terrance did not say a word, but slowly stepped away from Europa.

  “That you did,” Jeanip said. He looked at Terrance, then back at Europa. “You’re sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes, Jeanip, I swear I am okay,” Europa replied.

  Looking at Terrance once again, Jeanip asked, “Terrance, this is the second time your actions have not been favorable. Was it a mistake asking you to stay out here? Should I have Sunam take you back to town?”

  Terrance did not answer. Jeanip turned to look at Europa. “Europa, should Sunam take him to town?”

  “That is totally up to him,” Terrance heard Europa say. He looked at Jeanip then back at Europa. The last thing he wanted was to leave and return to the inn.

  “Terrance?”

  “I would like to stay,” Terrance replied nervously. “If Europa has no objections.”

  “Europa, is that agreeable with you?”

  Europa looked at Terrance. “Yes, that is agreeable with me.”

  “Then I’ll take my leave. And I suggest you two either discuss whatever it is you’re discussing in a more genteel voice or change the subject. This house is already on high security alert – loud, arguing voices do not go well with high security alerts. Keep it down. And keep the door open. Understand, Terrance? Europa?”

  “Yes, Sir.” Terrance answered. “I promise it will not happen again.”

  “We will be sure to speak to other in a calmer manner,” Europa replied.

  As Jeanip left the room, Terrance heard him say, “Well, you now know she comes with a temper. At least it’s not me she’s mad at for a change.”

  “I’m sorry, Europa,” Terrance said, as soon as Jeanip was out of sight. “This is just so unbelievable. Put yourself in my place. Wouldn’t you have a hard time accepting these things?”

  “No, not if I had found what you did in my father’s room,” Europa stated, still annoyed at Terrance’s disbelief. “I believed what you said. Why can you not believe what I am telling you?”

  “It’s not a matter of believing or not. It’s about what’s possible and what isn’t. Just give me a few minutes to try to digest all that you’re telling me.”

  “But this is not about you, Terrance. It’s about me. Do you not think I am having a hard time believing it too?”

  “I really am sorry,” Terrance said, as he sat down. “If you say this is all real than I will believe you. All I ask is that you allow me to reserve some things as plausible until we can make sense out of all this.” Europa returned to her seat next to Terrance. To show her he was truly sorry, he leaned over and gently kissed her. She kissed him back, forgiving all that was said, then curled up inside his arms, once again feeling safe and warm.

  “But just think, Terrance,” Europa said. “It would answer some of our questions, like why my mother wrote I was born human and why people in paintings hundreds of year’s old look like my parents. The Orb is real, Terrance. And there are more of them somewhere. I think the answers I am looking for are contained in those other Orbs.”

  “But you said there was only one in the attic?” Terrance stated, wondering where the others could possibly be.

  “Yes, but the beings in my vision said something about a place called FarCore. They said they were safe in FarCore.”

  “FarCore? But where is FarCore? Did your mother’s diary give you any hint on where it could be located?”

  “No, not that I remember. But I was not looking for anything called FarCore when I skimmed through it. We need to go through it again.” Terrance released his hug as Europa sat up and reached under the couch to bring out the diary. She opened it in hopes of finding the word “FarCore”. As she turned the first few pages, her eyes widened, her mouth dropped open and a strange look came over her face.

  “Europa, what’s wrong?” Terrance asked, concerned by her look. He feared something was happening to her, perhaps a relapse from the concussion. “Are you okay?”

  Europa raised her head and looked directly at Terrance. It took her a moment to speak due to the astonishment she was feeling. “Terrance, you are not going to believe this, but I can read some of this writing.” Terrance quickly looked at the opened page of Medaron’s diary and saw only a strange scribbling.

  “What do you mean you can read it?”

  “I can READ it. I can understand what it says. Not all of it, but I can decipher some of the words.”

  “But how?”

  “I do not know. I could not read it yesterday, but I can now. Perhaps the Orb did something to me when I held it last night. Do you think it somehow gave me the ability to read this writing?”

  “After what you told me, I’m beginning to think anything is possible. What does it say?” Terrance asked eagerly, yet unsure if he should be worried or not.

  “I cannot make all of it out.” Europa scanned the pages and read:

  “11913 – JeffRa found and exiled for his treachery. Vows to eradicate all members of the royal family alive and to be born.”

  “11958 – Disaster. Creeno has imploded. Twenty ships left, only seventeen survived. Many left behind. Enok and I decided to resettle on the first blue planet. JeffRa’s vow of revenge has begun.”

  “11970 – Arrived on blue planet with three ships. Something about shape-shifting here.”

  “12020 - Received word from colony on Fenoll. Ah, JeffRa found them. Cannot make out this part. Presume they are all dead. To hide ourselves we are sinking the city immediately.”

  “12052 – JeffRa found us at New City. City destroyed. JeffRa killed. Something about him killing her son. Enok seriously injured. We must return to the deep. I am responsible for Tiree’s death.”

  “12053 – Enok recovering. She is consumed with guilt and grief for Tiree.”

  “12058 – Complex finally completed. I am lost in despair.”

  Europa stopped reading when she heard footsteps on the stairs. She slid the diary under the pillow as Misso appeared in the doorway.

  “Lunch is ready, Your Majesty,” Misso said.

  “Thank you, Misso. We will be right down. Did Terrance’s letter make today’s mail?”

  “Yes, the postman picked it up.”

  As soon as Misso left, Europa hurriedly grabbed the diary and maps and returned them to their hiding place in the bathroom. She hoped they would find time to read more later.

  “Just a minute, Europa” Terrance said, stopping Europa from leaving. “When you were reading you said something about shape-shifting. That’s what I’ve wanted to tell you. My father had a reference in his journal about a book talking about shape-shifters. I found a copy of the book at the library. It was a collection of native folk tales and one was about a group of shape-shifters. The author was a Mr. Dark Feather, who is a resident of these parts.”

  “Thomas Dark Feather?” Europa asked, intrigued by this new information.

  “Yes, you don’t happen to know him, do you?”

  “Yes. He is a good friend of Mother’s and Jeanip’s.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Terrance said in astonishment.

  “What did he say?”

  “He said legend tells of a band of strangers who, hundreds of years ago, appeared one day at the edge of the ocean. They were shape-shifters, beings born of the sky and water. When the chief’s daughter was captured by a warring tribe, the strangers saved her. In thanks, they were given a section of land high on a bluff overlooking the ocean.”

  “Did he say where the land was?”

  “No, he wouldn’t tell me. But, from a few statements he made, I think it’s Minnos.”

  “Of course. Where else would it be?” Europa said sarcastically. She walked over to her desk and br
ought out a jar of permanent ink. She dipped one of her fingers in the ink, and then headed downstairs.

  “What are you up to?” Terrance asked her.

  “You will see.” As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Triton was waiting on his rug, wagging his tail to show his eagerness to see her. Europa walked over to Triton and rubbed his ears, secretly marking the right ear inside with the ink. Terrance gave her a confused look. “A little test,” she whispered.

  THE TEST