The Light so Divine

Prologue

A woman with light ginger hair and faded green and orange robes stood in her kitchen. An older man with bushy, wild grey hair, holding a staff to keep him upright stood across from her. The setting sun filtered through the trees, casting a soft golden glow that enveloped the house. The woman glanced outside then let out a shaky breath. "Evergrey, we can't keep the sisterhood in the dark for long. But they're too young to know."

Evergrey shifted his weight lightly. "Elizabeth, they all have a right to know. Now is the best time to tell them. Especially Vic."

Elizabeth's eyes ignited and she lowered her voice angrily. "Evergrey," she hissed. "Vic cannot know. She still hasn't mastered her powers yet. If we told her all the secrets we've kept, she'd panic. Her powers are sporadic and unpredictable. I know you and Vic are close, she does think of you as a father, but your feelings cloud your judgement."

"Is that why you refuse to tell Alex as well? Or do you just have her best interests o heart?" He knew Elizabeth looked at Alex as a daughter. The young Soul Rider was the druid's ward. The same could almost be said for Vic and Evergrey. The only difference was that Vic was Everygrey's actual daughter. No one but Avalon and Evergrey knew though. He'd had to give Vic up after she was born, mostly for her protection, but also because of his exile. After eighteen years apart, he was glad to reunite with her. Maybe his paternal instincts were getting in the way, or maybe he wanted Vic to know everything so she was prepared. Either way, he and Elizabeth always found themselves at cross-roads regarding the Soul Riders.

Elizabeth glared at Evergrey. "You know I want what's best for not just Alex, but the others as well."

A knock on the door alerted the druids to Avalon's presence. He was right on time, like always. Avalon was no doubt carrying the latest updates on Mr. Sands and Dark Core. Or maybe he had news regarding Fripp's health. Ever since Fripp had saved Vic from being kidnapped by Darko, the little blighter had been placed in critical condition. As long as Avalon brought good news, Evergrey didn't care what it was about.

Elizabeth opened the door, revealing a cloaked and hooded Avalon. He drifted in, barely glancing at his brother. Avalon reached into his right sleeve and pulled out an envelope. "Elizabeth, I think you should read this." After Elizabeth took the paper Avalon turned to Evergrey, speaking to him in a clipped manner. "Hello, Evergrey."

"Avalon. What news do you bring?" Evergrey replied in an equally clipped tone, forcing friendliness towards his estranged brother.

"Dark Core is on the move again. Fripp still isn't better, and we're ready to save Anne from Pandoria."

Elizabeth looked up from the letter she had received from Avalon and schooled her features into a mask of calmness. "Alert Lisa, Alex, Linda and Vic. I'll go get everything ready."

As she was about the leave, Avalon grabbed her forearm. "I hope you know that this mission will be dangerous. It's a very high possibility that one of us might die."

"I know. I'm not going to let that happen though."

Evergrey coughed to get her attention. "Tell them. Tell them about Catherine and the truth. The whole truth."

She glared lightly at Evergrey, tugging her arm out of Avalon's grasp. "Fine, I'll try." Elizabeth left her house, leaving only Evergrey and Avalon.

The brothers stared at each other. "You'll get your daughter hurt one day, or worse. You know that right?"

"No, I won't. This information will help her." Evergrey started limping out the door.

"You have to tell Vic someday, or she'll find out on her own. You also need to let me, and the druids train her properly. If it makes you feel better, I'll invite Vic to live with me. Just remember Evergrey, you gave her up for protection. Don't go back now."

"How was I supposed to know she'd end up being Aideen's incarnate? You brought me back in, and there she was." His voice was strained with emotion.

Avalon sighed. "You also tell Vic everything! Elizabeth knows you and Vic have a connection. Fripp will suspect something when he wakes up. The other druids are also suspicious. Be careful."

"I'm always careful."

Avalon let out a heavy breath. "Something will happen, you and I both know it will. Don't make the same mistake as last time."

Evergrey considered Avalon's warning before lumbering out of Elizabeth's cottage. He slowly made his way down the dirt path and toward his temporary house. Deep down, Evergrey knew Avalon was right. He would never admit it, but at the same time, he couldn't do anything about it. The former exile had no authority or power. Only lost memories and stolen time.