Genesis

CHAPTER 30 Mysterious Ways

Fired up after the intense exchange with Jane, I felt emboldened to finally investigate the Ataroth that Mr. Joshua had told me about. Emboldened, but not completely fearless. I called for Axl, my loyal companion and trusted protector, and, together, we walked heedfully through my back yard, toward the forest, keenly aware this time of its significance.

Once again, I brushed the low-hanging branches aside and stepped into the woods, feeling the same tingle I had felt the first and only time I had explored this esoteric locale. I walked along the same path, this time not veering off as I had done months ago when I found Axl. He seemed to be on high alert as we ventured deeper in, crowded on either side by an assortment of pines, oaks, elms, and maples. As I looked around, I realized how much I had learned working at the nursery. Before taking that job, I wouldn't have known one tree from the next, the only exception being the birch trees that were common in northeastern Massachusetts, their discarded white bark being exceptionally useful when Jane and I wanted to start fires behind my old house in Bradford. I smiled, proud of my newly acquired knowledge.

I trudged along, pointing out various shrubbery to Axl, doing my best imitation of Michael explaining the local flora to me. He cocked his head, puzzled by my words. I imagined myself having the same bewildered look when Michael patiently educated me in all things botanical. Bluish-gray, spiky strands of Spanish moss completely covered some of the trees along the path, adding an ethereal beauty to the thick, green landscape.

About twenty minutes in, we came to a large clearing. I stopped at its edge, thinking it odd that such an immense space would be randomly located in the middle of a dense wood, for it looked as though it had been purposefully carved out. Then I remembered that this place was not a random space, but an Ataroth, a place of destiny, of supposed energy, ready to be tapped into by angels and their girlfriends. This could also be the place I had seen in my dream where Ty was able to conjure fire and druid-like figures chanted in the moonlight. I shook my head skeptically and stepped over the imaginary threshold into the waiting acreage.

My whole body quivered as I cautiously put one foot in front of the other, advancing into the expanse. Mr. Joshua was right; this place was electric. Excitement quickly replaced anxiety as I began to feel like I was floating, more than walking, over the ground. I twirled around and around, fantasizing that I was gliding above the field like one of the sandhill cranes that were commonplace in my new, marshy homeland.

After one twirl too many, I fell into the shaggy grass. As I laid there, perfectly still, I was certain I could hear the grass whispering, "Try it". Or maybe my dizzy brain was telling me that I was tired; after all, I existed in a constant state of sleep deprivation.

When the dizziness had passed, I placed my hands on either side of my hips in order to push myself up. I was ready to explore this fantastical place further. But when I pushed off, I catapulted myself a couple of feet off the ground.

"What the..."? I shrieked as I landed gracefully on my feet. Axl looked up at me, confused. I stood motionless for a long moment, looking around as though people were going to start peeking out from behind trees, giggling; me, realizing I was being punked.

Feeling relatively certain I was alone after several seconds had passed, I jumped. Although part of me felt foolish for daring to hope that I could repeat the previous stunt, I did it nonetheless.

"Yeeeaaahhh!" I shouted as I bounced around like John Carter. Well, not exactly like John Carter. I wasn't jumping football field distances, but definitely further than any long-jumper. It was as though I had springs built into my feet. If this was a mere fraction of how Ty and Mara felt all the time, I was officially jealous.