Chapter 26
Spinning wildly along a twisting, turning tunnel of light, Lawrence and Lucy watched in silent wonder at a galaxy forming. Masses of cosmic dust and natural energy swirled together so fast with so much force it would tear most living things apart.
Within seconds a long chain of unusually shaped planets were created. Just as the last one became solid the viewing tunnel collapsed, throwing the travellers out into the unstable atmosphere. Lawrence and Lucy swum through the thick, warm air, dodging explosions and whooshing energy particles erupting all round.
Hiding behind the largest ice moon sat a smaller one, still forming slowly. Floating miles above the friends eagerly watched its long, thin surface take shape. It was nothing like earth at first because many features grew inwards and massive sections curled up in complex shapes. Impossibly high cliffs rose and fell faster and faster. Thick water brimming with magical power flowed everywhere at lightning speed, draining into deep seas when weird mountain chains formed again for the last time. Swirls of chattering energy constantly poured into the thickest rock and only whooshing echoes returned.
“Very strange Lucy. This is no dream after all. I wonder if the magic pebble has given us an unusual holiday?” Lucy wasn’t sure either, but happy to be there all the same. She landed softly near a towering rock face that scraped the bright red sky. Lawrence felt strangely compelled to float down there too, because this part of the mighty mountain glowed softer than surrounding land.
Both lost their ability to fly after reaching ground, so they stood between two high bluffs, gazing around, looking like tiny lost ants. Lawrence touched the rock, finding it cold and dry. Dull thuds and faint, tinkling whooshes swelled from deep within. A peaceful young voice sprung over Lawrence’s shoulder. “Sometimes it’s warm and you hear our dearest ancestors searching for answers.” Such soft, honest words seemed wrapped in hope. A startled Lawrence spun round, but there was no one there. Without offering an explanation for this, the calming voice continued.
“I, Empheria, Queen, keeper of our faith and ambassador to our Gods was once part of this ancient, beautiful land - the ancient land of Urazhon. Natural majesty you witnessed took place aeons ago, long before the young Elder Council and the formation of your own tiny galaxy. On this sacred day of remembrance feel free to venture where you will as our honoured guests. Wonders few mortals will see lie out there. One may spend many lifetimes seeking such. Though if answers you wish, journey into the rock, where lies the early village of Zacorhion and our hallowed temple.”
“Kind spirit, can you tell more?” Lawrence asked eagerly, but the strangely relaxing voice died over lush hills far away.
Lucy seemed very keen to explore the mystery. Lawrence trusted the spirit too, so happily agreed. But how would they get in? This glittering rock seemed solid enough to keep out most strangers. Caspar had concentrated on teaching defence lately, so none of Lucy’s spells were designed for such an offensive purpose. If only for another session with the clever dream staff!
After their strange adventures so far, Lawrence and Lucy loved solving problems like this. Thinking over exciting possibilities brought such satisfaction. Finding answers made them smile, and often the solution proved fairly simple in the end. Still, it took lots of brainstorming this time before an interesting clue popped up.
At a truly dizzy height, tiny specks of speckled dust swirled into the rock. Even from way down here it was obvious they vanished inwards. Being on such a strange world, Lawrence wondered if the substance really was dust. Lucy had already decided, springing up the steep face. Lawrence stood, wondering. His magic friend must have a pretty good plan.
Lucy’s goal was far higher and rock much smoother than both first imagined. Any normal cat would have quickly failed. Soon Lucy’s shimmering yellow fur became a blurry black smudge, blending in with the warming stone.
Lawrence rubbed his weary eyes, trying to focus again. Just then the dusty line swooped down, swirling round him so fast his vision went black. His body was squeezed painlessly into wisps of brown dust and whisked up there, instantly flying through a tiny crack. Lawrence sensed Lucy flew amongst them too, but couldn’t recognise her in this state.
A magical wind shot along tiny decorated tunnels just big enough for one particle to follow another at lightning speed. It blasted them out into two dusty clouds, swirling inches above stone steps in the middle of a fabulous underground city.
Shadowy creatures made of crystal light flitted through carved halls below, frolicking with weird animal and humanoid shapes floating above sparkling fountains of energy. Another shape lit up, then another, each more exciting than the last. Every creature in the universe must be visiting this amazing place! Lucy loved the detailed marble paths spiralling round and round up the sides, ending at a glittering temple sitting proudly high above. No light source was clear, yet the delightful scene was set in a dim, yellow glow.
Without warning the strange dust stream transported them inside the temple. Sadly there was no time to look around the incredible structure. “Quick, follow!” a new female voice commanded urgently, opening a hidden door behind an altar. Luckily their tiny, dusty bodies of cloud squeezed through the thin gap just in time, before the door slammed shut tightly with a solid crash.
This restless spirit set a blistering pace through a confusing maze of narrowing passages marked with strange symbols that glowed as the clouds rushed passed. “Why then, why us? Even though we swirl dimensions away, we still search for answers,” the voice said. Neither visitor could answer, whilst the spirit talked constantly, though not all was easy to understand.
“We loved it here so much part of our spirit still remains, living out lives as we would have done were it not for...”
Fortunately this talkative spirit was with them, because even Lucy couldn’t have found her way out the confusing labyrinth. Before long they headed higher and higher up the mountain, finally passing through the top into buzzing clouds. These bubbles of steam and streaming energy hissed and whirred, carrying them across gorgeous plains swaying far below. Speeding across this weirdly beautiful land revealed plants growing upside down, hanging in the air and dry rivers spraying sparkling dust thousands of feet sideways into the brightening sky. Nature simply bulged with health, shining so brightly scenery almost burst.
“See, her children!” their guide shouted excitedly, whizzing in circles, dropping downwards. Presently she grew quiet and the world spun dizzily.