What if you knew that horrific events were coming and you figured out a way to protect your home and the ones you love, would you do it?
Yes? Then come along and read When Worlds Collide.
A set of tall glass doors swung open wide, as a hooded figure emerged from within a warm chamber of the castle. Stepping out onto the cold balcony, he rested a pale hand on the stone parapet and stood still, a statuesque silhouette against the clear, winter's night.
As he looked up, his hood fell back revealing silvery blond hair in the moonlight, while his deep blue eyes reflected hints of green from the aurora dancing across the clear, starry sky. From up on the hill, he looked upon the beauty of the landscape stretching out before him.
The edge of a vast mixed forest surrounded the welcoming glow of the city nestled comfortably along the river in the valley below. Cheery lights dotted the many quiet streets, while snow blanketed the rooftops of the snoozing houses. And tucked within, safe and snug, the population lay dreaming.
Sparkling with life, the man's eyes smiled taking it all in. Even the chilled air added to the swell of warmth and joy in his heart, as he whispered, "at last."
He would do whatever it took to protect this place and these people. In fact, he already did.
It had been a long hard fight to return here.
Shifting his gaze from the peaceful town, he peered through the layers of reality to the 3D layer underneath. "The same but different," he murmured, as his vision zoomed in through the falling snow to see past the walls of the homes as though they weren't even there. After a quick peek to check on the people sleeping soundly in their beds, he readjusted his vision back to the higher dimension. To him, they now appeared as swirling energy patterns, each one unique, each one interconnected with the whole, and each one connected to his heart.
Now was no time to sit back and rest, however, as a new battle loomed ahead of him, ahead of them all. And that is exactly why he had fought so hard to get here. To give them a fighting chance now, he thought.
For the humans of Cornwall and this region of Eastern Ontario, it had begun last autumn. Ongoing creepy encounters have left the community shaken and bewildered. So much so, the locals now call their hometown Paranormal City.
For the man though, it had begun eons ago. Or 15 years ago, depending on how you look at it.
Man... Although he certainly looked like a man, he was no mortal. Not anymore. He was, in fact, beyond human.
And now it was time for the others to awaken. It was time for them to remember... to remember who they really are, like he did, and join him.
"It's time to come home," he whispered. "Home," he repeated aloud, reverently, looking out at the horizon. Savouring the word, he lingered on the single syllable, as though finding a tonal key. Then taking a deep breath, he continued his song, rounding and raising the note, then holding it so that it resembled a wolf's howl.
His melodious call rolled over the hush of the town and reverberated throughout the forest, carrying its command.
As he slowly opened his eyes, a bright light blinked into view in sky before him. It looked at first like a scintillating star, growing bigger as it neared the castle. The light then suddenly flashed and pulsed different colours. The man chuckled with a wide smile as the aerial craft approached and then stopped, hovering in front of him. So, placing his right fist over his heart with a nodded bow, he acknowledged it in return.
Surging its light once more, it then quickly descended, plunging into the river. Following the canal leading to the castle, it travelled just under the surface, before disappearing into the tunnel to the underground hangar. More crafts appeared, dotting the sky like stars. Then completing the same precision manoeuvres, they too returned to base. Others, meanwhile, emerged from the water, heading out to take their place.
"Shift change," he whispered through a small side-smile, watching them silently fly past.
Next, dozens of glowing orange orbs came zooming out overhead from the back of the castle. The man continued to watch with delight as they followed the landscape, and then spread out, descending into the forest.
"My king," a kind voice interjected into the scene.
At the same moment, he felt a familiar being appear behind him. Turning to find his equerry standing against the warm glow of the inner chamber, the man welcomed him with a smile, accompanied by a semi-stern look and a raised eyebrow.
"I know, I know, don't call you that," the esteemed being teased, and even dared to gently admonish his monarch. "But you know what will happen if--"
"I know, I know..." the king conceded, stopping him there. "3D thinking creeping in." He pressed his lips in an apologetic smile. Of course, he knew better. But he was still having difficulty adjusting to this new role.
"Creeping... exactly." The equerry nodded, clasping his hands in pointed agreement. He then took a moment to look upon the regal being before him. Linked heart and mind, like everyone there, he knew the truth of the master's soul. And so, with a solemn bow, he spoke. "My king," he emphasized, before continuing his original discourse. "The hall is ready to receive our guests. Also," gesturing towards the forest where orange lights could still be seen wisping through the bare trees, "the scouts have gone out to meet and accompany them as they arrive. But I'm sure you just saw that."
"Yes, good," the king acknowledged with a cheerful reply. "Thank you, Jasper." Then after a short pensive pause, he placed his hand over his heart and looked his friend in the eyes, "for everything."
Jasper mirrored him, placing his own hand over his heart. And with another respectful nodded bow, he dematerialized from view.
Turning back to the snowy landscape, the king again closed his eyes. As the chill night air kissed his cheeks, he took a moment to listen to the silence and concentrate. The sound of his heart rose up, strong and steady, like the beat of a drum keeping time in a song. Focusing on the vibration, he amplified the feeling, sending it out to connect to his special guests and their companions.
Then, with a deep, frosty breath, he sang another slightly different howling call.
This time, the wolves replied. Joining in, their own howls echoed up from the forest from all directions, making up an enchanting chorus filling the night.
Normally, they were out patrolling, guarding the borders of the realm from intrusion. But tonight, they had a special mission to fulfill: an integral part of preparing for what is to come.
© 2022 by Linda Casselman
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Did You Hear The Call?
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