the doors of time - 1st draft

7/28/2019 The Doors Of Time - 1st Draft

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we are spirits passing through the doors of time

with an invitation heard before we find

shadows on the mountainside

eagles find the souls they hide

and the outcast child enchanted by the sun

will he seek his shelter never knowing one


eagles find the souls they hide


cover me with sleep

because i need it now

and the red rivers flow to seas

and she will return to me

and then all that i am is in her hands

and i will return to her and then

i begin

Shadows On The Mountainside

The Tea Party


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The Doors Of Time

Vanlor looked out across the burning city, the tears streaking down his cheeks.

Once upon a time he had believed his people were incapable of such irrationality and

wanton destruction. Yet now, his greatest fears had come true and the civilization

which had lasted over a thousand years was self destructing. The words of the ancient

philosopher, Portus, came to his mind: everything must one day end. However, Vanlor

believed in the idea that nothing is destroyed, everything simply changes. Even now,

as his beloved city burned, the buildings which had been the testament of Virlorian

culture and power for an on were not truly being destroyed. Their material was

simply being transformed in a chemical reaction. Yet, as his gold coloured eyes cast

their vision across the horizon of smoke, flame, crystal and marble he felt that the ideas

his people had stood for and promoted were being destroyed. Yet, he had vowed to

protect them. His resolve was undaunted by the chaos which surrounded him. Vanlor

knew that this life, this mundane materialistic existence was simply one step along a

path that lead higher and beyond the emotions and suffering of this world.

It is time that we move onward, Vanlor. He heard Mardan say. Turning,

Vanlor looked into the face of his old friend. Mardan was a typical Virlorian with

chocolate brown skin, white hair and golden eyes. Those eyes were filled with the same

sadness that Vanlor felt, yet there was a determination and a sense of hope which could

be seen in their depths. There is nothing more we can do for our people, except the

path we have already chosen.

You are right, Mardan. Vanlor replied sadly, wiping his tears away. Come,

let us go join the others at the rendez-vous point.

The two Virlorians departed down the narrow animal track, their backs turned tothe once great city. They travelled down a hillside into a valley lined with oaks and

birch trees which both of them knew cut through the land until it reached the sea. They

picked their way along the valley floor, following a fast moving brook until they

reached a large clearing. A path branched off from the one they had been following and

climbed up into the hills to the east. Mardan lead the way along this new path,


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climbing slowly and trying to enjoy the scenery that surrounded him. For his part,

Vanlors mind cast back to the images of the burning city.

He remembered when he was young and his parents had first brought him to the

city. Vanlor had been mesmerized by the beauty and elegance of the great marble

buildings, with their crystal windows, which seemed to reach up and touch the sky. He

remembered riding in one of the crystal elevators which climbed up the sides of the tall

buildings for the first time. Not only did he feel like he was able to levitate, but the

vista which presented itself still seemed fresh in his mind as if he had only seen it

moments before. Yet now those crystal elevators would never rise up again and the

marble buildings which presented themselves as some sort of god to the young eyes of

a Virlorian child would be nothing but charred ruins.

Quickly, Vanlor cast his mind away from the thoughts of the city instead he

began to focus on the future. He followed his friend along the path and up out of the

valley, he began to envision their destination. In some ancient time, long before the

Virlorians had developed many of their technological wonders, there had been a group

who had understood the natural energy patterns of their world. This group, which was

known as the Parthoan, harnessed the planets energy to enrich their material, spiritual

and intellectual lives. The Parthoan discovered places around the globe where the

energy was stronger and at these sites they built great stone circles to help them harness

the natural power. It was one of these ancient power sites that was the destination of

Mardan and Vanlor.

The two Virlorians crested the hill and could see for the first time, the ancient

stone circle which sat atop a great plateau overlooking the many valleys below. In the

mid-morning light and with the distance distorting their perspective, the site radiated a

sense of magic and wonder. It somehow seemed larger then they knew it was and this

potent sense becalmed their minds and filled their hearts with strength and with hope.

Wordlessly, they continued along the path until they reached the outskirts of the site.

Once there, they met up with their comrades: a group of eclectic Virlorians who had,

like Mardan and Vanlor, pledged to preserve the highest ideals of their people.

What news do you bring from the city? Landow asked as Mardan and Vanlor

approached.

Fires rage in every quarter. Vanlor reported. It is truly a sad sight to behold.

Count yourself lucky that you do not have those images in your mind, Landow.


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Landow frowned. Such meaningless violence. He spat.

Indeed. Mardan agreed. It makes our endeavour all the more important.

Is everyone accounted for? Vanlor asked.

We were just awaiting your arrival. Landow informed them. Everyone else is

here, safe and sound. The time is almost upon us. You will lead us into the circle,

Vanlor?

It would be my honour. Vanlor turned slightly and called to the group.

Brothers and sisters, today is a sad day in the history of our people a day that will be

remembered for all time by those of us who have dedicated ourselves to preserving

what we can. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedication to this cause

and for your willingness to sacrifice your material comforts for the greater good of our

people. I have only once before attempted the ritual we are about to perform and I can

tell you all this: the results will be the most amazing experience you have yet had in this

lifetime. Fear not, the step beyond the veil is gentle and the life we will lead beyond the

bounds of time will be fulfilling and happy. Our purpose is set, we have all made our

choices and now we take the final step in order to preserve the memory of our people.

A cheer arose from the gathered Virlorians. As this cheer died off, one of their

number began to sing, an ancient melody which began to resonate with the trees and

the stones that surrounded them. Others took up the song and soon the entire group

was singing the ancient song in that ancient language very few understood or could

even pronounce anymore. They began to file in behind Vanlor, Mardan and Landow as

these three started making a circuit of the stones that ringed the plateau. All the while,

the chant kept getting louder and one could see the stones themselves beginning to

vibrate with the energy that was being drawn forth by the frequencies uttered in the

melody.

Vanlor stopped at the entrance to the circle after circumnavigating the stones.

The group stopped behind him, their heads bowed and their voices still chanting that

ancient melody. He raised his right hand and the voices died. All they could hear was

the singing of a lark off in the distance somewhere. Vanlor then began a new chant, his

baritone voice finding the ancient frequencies quickly.

Ah, ah, ah, ee, ee, ee, oh, oh, oh. He sang. The others joined in, adding their

voices in the syncopated harmony and repeating the syllables over and over again.


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Their voices came to a crescendo and every individual could feel a mystical energy

pulsating all over the plateau and through the stones of the ancient temple. Every

object and Virlorian began to emit an aura whose colours varied from individual to

individual.

Just as Vanlor was about to a step into the stone circle itself, a great humming

noise could be heard coming from the north side of the plateau. He looked up, as did

all those gathered behind him, and to his dismay he saw a large craft rising up above

the far side of the temple. Pay no heed to them! Vanlor cried. We must fulfill our

promise! With those words, he stepped through the gateway and into the heart of the

stone circle. The group followed, standing along the outside edge of the circle. Their

chant continued, its musical notes becoming more stressed and hurried. This increase

in speed added to the auras which emanated from everything and the mystical energy

began to meld together forming an intense ball of multi-coloured light which was

growing larger in the center of the circular temple.

Just then, there was a commotion near the gate of the ancient temple and a large

number of heavily armed soldiers pushed their way inside. They took up positions

around the perimeter of the people who were chanting and paying them no heed.

Finally, a tall Virlorian wearing a black uniform with stripes that denoted his high rank

entered the temple. His golden eyes scanned the scene and almost immediately fell

upon the faces of Vanlor, Mardan and Landow. He pushed his way through the crowd,

followed by two of his soldiers until he reached the trio.

You realize that you are under arrest for treason against the high council. He

informed them in an authoritative tone.

Vanlor stopped chanting and turned and looked at him. I wondered when you

would get here, Arpax. He replied. But you are too late. We have succeeded and we

shall preserve that which you wish to destroy.

Arpaxs face darkened. You have brought about this destruction, Vanlor. The

soldier spat. If I was allowed to, I would execute you right now and end this divisive

conflict.

At that moment, the globe of energy shuddered and the light blinded everyone

within sight. The chanting stopped and the soldiers were forced to lower their

weapons.


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Far well, my brother. Vanlor bequeathed to Arpax. Perhaps one day you will

understand. He turned to the group. It is time, friends. Come with me and take the

step. Do not fear, the soldiers are powerless to stop you. If you choose to step forward,

no hand will hold you back. He turned back to Arpax. Goodbye Arpax. At that

exact moment, Vanlors body seemed to become one with the shimmering globe of

energy. Soon, it began to grow and encompass all those within the temple. Those who

chose to succumb to its power became one with its light and those who feared it felt

nothing but warmth and a sense of peace.

At last, the light faded and the temple was illuminated by the sun which hung in

the sky almost directly above the open air temple. The soldiers looked around,

mystified by what had just transpired. Every single member of Vanlors group had

disappeared seemingly absorbed into the light of the energy. However, most

confusing of all was the fact that their commander, Arpax, had also disappeared.

the doors of time - 1st draft

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