Challenging Directions - Book 1 (Completed)

Chapter 23 - Luku

"To tell this correctly we need the Knjia Proslih Zivota." James reached for the book the female was holding. "Thank you Tanda."

As he opened the book, a green glow covered the room. He put the book in the middle of the room, and the colors changed. A young woman appeared from the book, she looked like Momma Solon, but about 20.

"Hello, my young ones." She spoke, her voice was soft but it did not feel the same. It was like she saw right through them. "If you have found my book, I have passed. My hope is that this beautiful island has not been touched by the evil of my family.

"You see, I am descended from the Luku family. Last time I saw them, they were building factories in Ocusien, cutting down forest in Gwomad, destroying oceans in the Jaemos Islands, and fracking for oil in Dellmon. I was to inherit Dellmon but gave it up for this Island, and the parts of this world that has not yet been touched by their evils."

On the four walls of the room it showed the evils of what was happening. Behind the counsel animals were slaughtered and trees torn out by the roots... Gwomad.. Where James had entered showed coral reefs being destroyed and rare fish dying off... Jaemos.... Next to The Exalter smoke rose and buildings began to grow higher and higher... Ocusien.... In the far wall towns and families were torn apart, in there place black ooze shot out of the ground and covered crops killing them... Dellmon...

"When I ran away I left my father without any heir. So the throne that would have been mine went to a distant cousin.. Rowan Atticus. My uncles Farley Imperium, Jennings Beleza, and aunt Mioda Scrios ruled over the rest. As I make this now I am pregnant, I know it is a boy, me and my husband plan to name him..."

"Jacopo." The members of the counsel spoke at the same time with her. "Her nickname for you.." Auntie C said quietly.

"I hope one day my family would see the error of their ways, but I do not see it happing soon.. Or without help... Yesterday, a month after my son was conceived. I had a vision, nine powerful and amazing maidens held hands, in the middle was a single blossom. I do not know who these women are, or in what age they will be, but they will be our salvation.. Find them..."

The vision went blurry as the walls went back to a green glow and a older version appeared. She was wearing the same clothes as the day she died.

"Children." The sage voice spoke. "My time is up. I am old and have been waiting for this moment for years now... I know who four of the nine are, Enya, Lani, Kalila, and Fia.. My dears.. A fifth has or will come to you soon she will be gentle and small. Three will be on islands like this, away from the terror if my family. But the last, she will be the hardest by far, but also oh so very important. She could choose to use this power to destroy, but without her there can be no healing. Not everyone in my family are bad, some have seen, learned, and now know."

She seemed to stare at Sir A for a second with a smile.

"They can help you, and one day help to bring a blissful life to you. I know this is all so very much to take in, but it is all so very important. While there is good, there is also bad, and now that the Four have died and new ones will be coronated, that bad will grow and spread."

The room's color changed to a deep dark green/black.

"If they are able to rule there will be no stopping them, it has to be now find the rest, show them the light, and bring the beauty this world once had...."

She went quiet for a second. The room a gentler glow, a baby blue tint.

"My son. My sweet Jacopo.. How I have watched you grow, I am sorry I won't be there to see the man you will become. I may have left Tanda to watch over you, but I am sorry you never got to met your father. He was a good man, so very loving and kind. Everyday I saw him in you and knew he would have been so proud. He made a sacrifice, you each know it, and if our Maidens fail you must redo the spell.. I pray that that is unnecessary, but if it comes to that I must say.. Tanda you are a beautiful and amazing young woman, I am proud to call you my daughters in-law and know you will raise this family higher with, but more importantly without doing the spell..."

Her eyes filled with tears.

"Oh, it has been over 1,900 years, and still.. It is not enough time... My baby, I wish I could hold you one more time, to see that smile on your face... You were the cutest baby, and one day you will have your own.... Oh how I wish to met her... So many wishes... But not one single regret.. I have lived many lifetimes, and though I am unsure of how I will go, know this. I am happy, I will see my husband again, my Cole... Do not hold hate in your hearts, it will leave you bitter. Be free my children, do not hate your enemies, pity them. They know not the love you know. They have not the friendship you share. And care not for the lives of others, that should be cherished. Jacopo, I love you my son, and will forever. You are with me no matter how far I go. Whether the world against you or with you, I am by your side. Always."

As the glow died down, many tried to hide their tears. But all failed.

"Very well." Aleyda spoke up. "You are the leader James errr... Jacopo, and you Exalter... Have my full support and trust."

"Aye." Slowly each counsel member spoke up, ending with Faife. Her nodding to James.

"But I am not calling you Sir." She smiled at him.

"James is fine." He smiled back at them all, tears in his eyes, and Tanda holding his hand.