Challenging Directions - Book 1 (Completed)

Chapter 20 - Basics and Arriving

Kai was with Kalila, Mia, and Arrio. They were all excited about the journey to The Emerald Haven. A small cluster of seven islands, the rest of the kingdoms know as The Violent Isles, for their raging storms. The only way to enter is to fly, or go through the underground caves. The islands are named Ebony Island, Whispering Peninsula, Brumn, Choral Chain, The Glowing Caves, Stryis, and Prix.

Each island is home to many women, children, and men. Most live on Stryis, Brumn, and Prix. The Glowing Caves is the entrance for the underwater path. Ebony Island is know for their fishing, while Brunm is know for their plentiful fruit trees. The Whispering Peninsula is where the Exalter Advance mets, and the Choral Chain is just there for it's looks.

Stryis is where the leaders of The Emerald Haven gather, where Lani and Enya are headed. To met Momma Solon. Along with Faife Perry, Regina Barton, Auntie C (Camila), Monica Bishop, Aleyda and Vanessa Long. Each represented an island and was helping The Exalter Advance.

The summon from Momma Solon said only to hurry. Everyone was excited but worried, especially George. He had a little brother, Mikey. They were the biological kids of Jane and Michael, the old couple who took in Lani and Enya. After their death, George and Mikey stayed with Lani. Enya would go for work while George hunted, and Lani took care of Mikey and the home.

They traveled a little, and were found by Momma Solon on one of her visits to the kingdoms. She brought them home with her. They each did their share around the house until they all finally decided. The world needs a change. Momma is from a very rich family before she chose a life of island living. She kept her money in case of emergencies.

Momma Solon has a grandson the same age as Louis, 21. His name is James and is a smitten by Enya. He mostly admires her fighting skills. He missed his chance to talk to her because Rai scares him too much. And Rai has not left her side since they met. He also has a bit of money he uses to fix and get new vehicles for the Family.

While going over all this with Kai and Mia, Kalila and Arrio fondly remember this island get away. For Kalila it was home from the start, but Arrio was just accepted in the Advance. The islands were still new to him and he was excited to sleep in his own bed again. To all the members Emerald was home. The closest they can get anyway.

The islands were still a day or two away. But that did not keep everyone from being ecstatic. They missed the clear air, the sounds of animals, and the fresh fruit. The fresh clothes and seeing friends again. Not having to look over their shoulder all the time. Some hopped after seeing this paradise the rest of the Guard would change their minds. Others worried that they would escape. But Enya and Lani didn't seem worried.

The members of the guards were asked if they wished to join one more time. The only one to accept was Ercan, he joined Lani's group. Kai was glad he joined but, teased him about being a copycat. Ercan fit in with Corin and George, who took him under their wings. Louis was about to join when a female member walk up to Lani and Enya.

"Madams, we have arrived." She spoke and quickly went back to the front of the ship.

"This can wait." Enya smiled and motioned for everyone to follow her. 

On the deck you could see a vast storm ahead. The ship was not stopping instead it sped up.

"You are going to kill us!" Sir Atticus yelled, but Enya kept smiling.

Most of the crew joined her, watching the terroir on the new comers faces. Mia was next to Arrio, both holding onto Rai for life. Wind shook the ship, but no one got wet. It was if everything was staged.

After a few minutes the storm suddenly broke and ahead was The Emerald Haven. Sunlight beamed and the air was  clear. Everyone inhaled and could breath easily. Below were the seven isles, The Mysterious Peninsula farthest away. As they flew ahead many of the crew members ran to prepare to dock.

There were kids and women waiting for them. They had fresh clothes and food. Some of the men that were nearby helped unload the supplies the Advance brought. One kid with bright purple eyes jumped on both Lani and George.

"Mikey!!" They shouted together surprised.

"I missed you guys! Did you miss me?" He smiled at them.

"Of course!" Lani giggled.

"Everyday kiddo." He sighed.

Sir Atticus, who was being escorted by Nandin, couldn't help but smile at the scene. Until Nandin pushed him and he cursed at him. Louia was being taken by Fia who was wanting to see Momma Solon. She rushed him to a cell and left to met Nandin. Rai handled Moss, using every chance to hurt or trip him. He joined his brother, and walked to Momma Solon's house.

Everyone walked together but was surprised to find the place empty other presence.

"Where is she" asked Arrio a little disappointed.

"She will been be here soon." Chuckled James. His tan hair was the same length as when they left and he still had that school boy crush look when he saw Enya.

"When did she leave?" Asked Rai, standing between them.

"A couple minutes ago." He smiled at Rai, but backed up

"Hello children!!" An elderly voice spoke and a woman with dark green hair and light green eyes spoke.

Behind her was Moss and Sir A. Everyone looked shocked.

"Calm children, these are my guest. This young gentle man is a knight of the kingdoms." She motioned to Sir A. "And this young man has something in his brain I need to fix." She pointed Moss who looked away from Ashe.

There was a room full of books and a one full of jars. One full of eating utensils, and one full of China. One full of fruits, and one full of paper. Each room something new. Until they reached thee last one.

It's floor was covered in pillows and everyone took their shoes off to enter. They sat down and waited for Momma to speak. She sat in front of Moss and whispered something to him, after he nodded, she motioned for James. After whispering to him, he left and returned with supplies.

"May I ask what are you doing Momma?" Lani spoke up but was now silenced by her.

"Patience child." She smiled and started mixing the ingredients.

While she waited, she asked questions about the new members, and about Sir A, who's real name is Arvin. They were starting to laugh and get along very well. Momma seemed to smooth things out, when a loud crash was heard outside.

Everyone went to check it when Mia remembered.

"Where is Louis?"