Emerald Eyes Destiny: Emerald Eyes Trilogy, #1

EMERALD EYES DESTINY

Ross Richdale

ISBN 978-1-877438-69-1

Book 1 in the Emerald Eyes Fantasy Trilogy

Book 2 Emerald Eyes Mist

Book 3 Emerald Eyes Pyramid

Cindy Meikin, a high school senior, has a strange experience that puts her in contact with Sylvia, a girl her own age from another world. After taking Sylvia home she discovers that her mother, Natasha and herself came from this world and not from Eastern Europe as she had always been told.

Cindy, Natasha and Sylvia return to through a void to find themselves involved in an ongoing war against foreign invaders. They meet Archwizard Lightshield, who originally knew Natasha, in a castle under siege.

Cindy also finds that she is an Emerald Eye Wizard and has strange magical powers in this new land that come to her without being called upon. The adventure continues with Cindy’s powers becoming stronger and seemingly being controlled by some unknown force.

Other characters include dwarfs helping to defend Uronia, Prince Gerard from a northern country in the same world and some dragons they seek out to help in their battles.

But why has this all happened to Cindy? What is her real connection with Sylvia and will the pair be able to drive off a ruthless enemy?

*

CHAPTER 1

Cindy Meikin was bored. She gazed around the classroom and stifled a yawn as her math teacher told everyone for the third time there were only three weeks until the senior exams. She wished they were all over and the summer vacation had arrived.

As if we didn't know, said her friend Tess from the seat next to her.

True, sighed Cindy. She glanced out the window to where a bird was flittering around the branch of an adjacent tree. Without really thinking she stretched her right hand down the side of the desk to relieve cramp caused by constant writing. Her fingers touched something and tingled. It wasn't unpleasant but unexpected, and she glanced down at her hand.

Oh, my God, she whispered. She could see nothing beyond the end of her sweater sleeve. Where was her hand?

She jerked her arm up and it reappeared. It felt cold as if it had been removed from a warm pocket on a winter's day. With the math lesson forgotten, she gingerly dropped her arm down the side of the desk again. Her eyes widened in amazement as, her fingers followed by her whole hand disappeared from view.

She gasped.

I'm glad you're finding the lesson interesting, Cindy, said her math teacher with sarcasm in her voice.

Cindy glanced up. I'm sorry, Miss Hughes, she replied.

Are you feeling ill, Cindy? Allison Hughes asked kindly. If you're not well you can go to the medical room.

Cindy smiled faintly. No, I'm fine, Miss Hughes.

The teenager stole another glance down at her arm and wriggled her fingers. She saw nothing; only an empty sleeve but there was feeling in her fingers. She stretched further down and touched something cool and solid.

In fright, Cindy jerked her hand and stared at the place where it had been. All she could see was the blue carpet and a bit of litter on the floor. Once more she slipped her hand down the side of the desk and again her fingers, followed by the rest of her hand, disappeared. She reached further. Yes, there was something there... some invisible object.

Very carefully she gripped whatever it was between her thumb and forefinger and held on. The object felt quite light as she lifted her whole arm up. As her hand appeared she stifled another gasp.  She held a small oval shaped mirror that she lifted up and gazed at her reflection.

Bright green eyes stared back at her from an oval face surrounded by blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail to comply with school regulations. The mirror looked quite normal, but it began to feel warm. She glanced away when her teacher coughed and pretended to concentrate on the lesson before stealing another look at the object.

This time, though, the mirror didn't reflect her image. It was completely black. Cindy frowned and shook it. The surface moved and, before her eyes, formed into a series of shapes or characters like a foreign language such as Hindi or Hebrew.

What are you? she whispered and shook the instrument again. It was obviously something far more sophisticated than a mirror. Perhaps it was a new type of cellphone. The silver characters moved again until they formed two words written in English.

Touch me, it spelt out. It must be a new touch screen model.

Touch me, whispered Cindy as she bent over closer. Where?

The words faded and a new word formed in the top right hand corner. Here! So was voice activated too?

Cindy reached out and pressed the top corner with her little finger. Immediately the silver lines made an impression of her fingerprint on the black surface. For a second it stayed before everything faded and new words appeared.

You are true and I have found you. The words also faded but more followed. Keep me hidden. Show nobody. Promise? The text message came through instantly.

I guess so but who are you?

Will soon explain. Danger! Must go.  The words went fuzzy and Cindy stared at her own reflection again.

Cindy, are you okay? It was her friend Tess speaking. You look as white as a sheet.

Cindy shrugged. I just feel a little queasy, that's all.

Well go to the medical room, said Tess. I'll come with you.

I'll be okay, said Cindy as she glanced at the instrument in her hand again but it still looked more like a mirror than a cellphone. She slipped it in her pocket and smiled at Tess. It's only ten minutes to the end of math.

*

Over the next two hours, Cindy moved onto other subjects, but her mind was distracted. She constantly pulled the mirror out to check. Never once, though, did it change. Cindy frowned and wondered if the whole thing had been a hallucination. She'd often had strange dreams and had awoken with a pounding head to find herself covered in perspiration. Perhaps she'd nodded off in class and dreamed it all. But the strange thing was there, in her pocket; she couldn't have dreamed that. Cindy sighed and waited impatiently for the school day to finish.

After school she walked home. It was a warm afternoon and she usually enjoyed this time wandering along by herself. At home were the usual chores and homework that needed doing before her mother arrived back from work about five fifteen. She crossed the road to a small park with shady trees and neatly mowed lawns. As she stepped up from the curb her hand touched somebody behind her.

Sorry, she apologized and withdrew her hand. She turned to see who was there but saw only a couple of children a hundred meters away. At the same time the mirror in her pocket felt hot. She reached in and pulled it out. It was black again. This was creepy. Cindy glanced around, but the street appeared to be no different. The children were still playing. A car drove by. When she glanced down at the mirror in her hand she jumped in fright. It had started to form words again.

Who are you?

I'm Cindy, she said.

Hello Cindy, my name is Sylvia Von Hilderthorn. I really need of your help. Grab my hand. Please!

How?

Reach down like you did earlier.

Cindy felt anxious but curiosity made her continue. She stopped, put her schoolbooks on the grass and reached towards the ground. Once more she saw her hand disappear and that warm feeling returned. She reached further and felt something touching her. Someone or something was squeezing her hand.

She gasped in alarm and lifted her arm. Something else was wrong. A weight pulled her down. She yanked her hand up. It appeared but was holding another hand.

Oh, my God! she gasped and stepped back several steps.

As she did, a shimmer appeared in the air and, sitting on the sidewalk staring up at her was a girl about her own age. She was dressed in what would have been a beautiful, full-length silver dress except it was stained and ripped down one side. An exposed leg was covered in ugly purple bruises above high quality leather boots. The girl's blonde hair was knotted and unwashed. One of her arms was bleeding from a cut above the elbow.

Are you Sylvia? Cindy asked in a hushed choke.

The girl blinked and stared around. She started to say something then shut her eyes. For a moment all was quiet until she opened her eyes and smiled.

Cindy? she asked in a clear but slightly accented English. You rescued me. I thank you. For a second their eyes met. The girl attempted to stand up but gave a low moan and collapsed, unconscious, onto the ground.

Cindy stared at the stranger lying on the path and froze. Things were happening too quickly. Before she had time to recover her composure a car pulled up beside them and a woman opened the passenger window.

What happened to your friend? she asked.

Cindy looked up. I found her lying here. She's hurt, she said as the woman walked around to where the girl was lying.

She's either been in an accident or has been mugged. You say you found her here?

Well, sort of. Cindy hesitated. I...err... arranged to meet Sylvia at the corner park but was late. She's my cousin, she lied. When I arrived she was on the sidewalk here.

She does look like you. I can see quite a likeness but enough small talk. Your cousin needs help, continued the woman. Help me put her into the car and I'll take her to the hospital.

Home's closer, said Cindy quickly. For some unknown reason she felt it wouldn't be a good idea to take Sylvia to a hospital.

Are you sure? The woman frowned.

Quite sure. My mother's there. If necessary we can go on to the hospital later.

Sylvia moaned and opened her eyes as the Good Samaritan and Cindy helped her into the car. The strange girl seemed to have realized what happening while at the same time appearing to be terrified of the car.

This lady has kindly offered to take us home, Cindy muttered.

Sylvia nodded. She said nothing but her eyes darted around as the car drove off. Cindy reached across to comfort her and felt the other girl's hand trembling.

You'll be fine, she whispered then spoke in a louder voice. Turn left at the next street, please. Our house is half way along the block.

After arriving, Cindy escorted Sylvia up the side steps and hoped the woman wouldn't follow. If she didn't leave it could be a nuisance.

Hi, Mom, she called out knowing there would be nobody inside. Poor Sylvia's had a fall. We got a lift home. She turned and waved at the woman.  Thanks ever so much, she called and breathed a sigh of relief as the car drove away.

What sort of magic was that? asked Sylvia.

Cindy stared at her. Magic. What magic?

That strange animal we climbed inside.

Cindy frowned. This was getting weird. Oh, you mean the car? That's not magic. It's just a machine.

You mean like a cross bow; a thing made by humans that doesn't think?

I guess so. It's more like your cellphone that you contacted me with.

But that is magic, Sylvia said.

Cindy scratched the back of her head in exasperation. Don't worry, she said. Come inside. Your arm's still bleeding. How did it happen?

Sylvia's face clouded over. The jailer attacked me with a knife, but I managed to use my powers to knock him away. He would have come back... She stopped and stared in alarm as Cindy opened the door and switched on the light.

It's electricity, explained Cindy. Haven't you ever seen electric lights?

Do you harness lightning bolts?

Not really, Cindy relaxed and chuckled. It's similar, I guess.

She shook her head in wonder at this strange companion and took her through to the bathroom where there was a small first aid kit. Sylvia stared at the water running into the sink but said nothing while Cindy bandaged her arm and applied ointment on her other bruises.

Would you like a shower? asked Cindy.

Do you change the weather, too?

No. The water comes out little holes to clean you. Look. She led her companion through to the bathroom, reached up and turned the shower.  Sylvia stared at the warm water streaming down. She reached out, ran her arms under it and wiped herself.

Yes, Cindy, I think I'd like a shower.  It will be different from the wooden tub. Are you sure it will be all right?

Of course. There's nobody else here. I often have a shower when I get home. Look, your dress is torn. I'll get you some of my clothes. We're about the same size.

*

A few moments later, Sylvia walked barefoot into the sitting room in jeans, blouse and sweater. She crossed to where Cindy was sitting on a couch and sat beside her.

Now, said Cindy. Tell me about yourself. Where did you come from and how did you get hurt?

Sylvia looked at the carpet then stared up miserably. I don't know what to say. It's been so awful. Your land is so strange, yet you and that lady were so kind. She hesitated for a moment before continuing. Our land was one of the finest places in the world. All the creatures lived together in peace with humans, dwarfs and elves all contributing to society. I come from a special branch of humans called wizards, who use the natural elements around to create magic. There are schools of magic where we learn to control our natural abilities to help our citizens. She stopped and frowned. It is difficult to use your words to describe our things.

You're going well, praised Cindy. How is it you know English at all?

My powers, said Sylvia. Within a few moments of meeting you my powers taught me your language.

Gee, said Cindy. I wish I could do that. I've been learning Spanish for four years and still have trouble.

Well, if you want me to... said Sylvia

Cindy grinned and held up her hand. Not now, thanks. I'm more interested in your story.

"The troubles started when we were invaded by a massive army from Mersovia, a country to our south.  This was before I was born. The Mersovians captured all except a small mountainous area of Uronia... that's my country. They set about ruthlessly killing or sending any creatures they didn't classify as humans into slavery. That included us because of our powers.

We were easily recognized because of our eyes and we became known as Emerald Eyes. There were never a large number of us in the first place and when I was born, Free Uronia consisted of a small mountainous land that could be easily defended.

It was at this time, about fifteen years ago, when we tried to contact other worlds. This was extremely difficult and was mainly by trial and error. Often it would be months before one was found. Once a suitable world was discovered we would send a wizard through to see what it was like. Some were sent to your Earth and they became receptors who could be used if anyone of us wished to reach here."

What's a receptor? asked Cindy.

You are, answered Sylvia. It's a person with magical powers who can contact us through the void.

But I have no magical powers.

Not here, maybe, but in our world you would have.

I see. Cindy was completely mystified. How do you know I am one of these receptors?

The receptor messenger I sent you. Your hand appeared out of the void and... well, you know the rest. If you weren't a receptor, I wouldn't be here right now... Your eyes, too...

Cindy frowned. I guess they are different, she said. I take after my mother. She said our green eyes are a family trait.

Sylvia stared at Cindy but said nothing for a long time. Finally she asked, Where did your mother come from?

Cindy's wondered about this question for it was something that often puzzled her. Somewhere in Eastern Europe. She refuses to speak about it. All I know is that she was a refugee who escaped to this country about sixteen years ago when I was a toddler. I've asked about her homeland but all she said was that it was a cruel, ruthless place. Dad and my other relations were killed there. Once she cried so I haven't bothered to talk about it lately.

It sounds like the part of Uronia controlled by the Mersovians, said Sylvia.

You mean Mom may be from your world? gasped Cindy

You could be from there, also, replied Sylvia. Nobody remembers what they were doing when they were two.

*

While the two girls were engrossed in their conversation a car pulled into the driveway and Cindy's mother, Natasha Meikin, climbed out with a bag of groceries. She walked into the kitchen and ignored the voices from the adjacent room. It was not unusual for Cindy to have friends around in the evening.

However, some of the words drifting through the doorway from the sitting room triggered something in her mind. She frowned and walked across the kitchen in time to eavesdrop while the girls talked. A scowl crossed her face and she rubbed her lips with her fingers when she heard Sylvia speak. The voice seemed to stir old memories. She was sure this wasn't one of Cindy's usual friends. Natasha pushed the half-opened door back and stood staring at the scene inside. For a second it seemed that Cindy was sitting on the couch before she realized her daughter was standing facing away from her and a second girl was sitting there dressed in clothes similar to those Cindy usually wore.

Cindy turned and saw her mother. Hi, Mom, she said. You gave me a fright. I never heard the car.

Natasha, though, was looking at the visitor. And who are you, young lady? she said abruptly.

Sylvia blushed in embarrassment and stood up. I'm sorry, My Lady. I shouldn't have intruded. She turned. Bye, Cindy. I'll be going...

Before Cindy could do anything, Sylvia headed to the door. However, Natasha stepped sideways to block any escape. For a second both of them were immobile in the doorway. Natasha's eyes met Sylvia's for a second before the strange girl stepped back and gazed at the floor with her shoulders slumped.

Don't go, Natasha whispered. I'm the one who should be sorry. I spoke out of turn. You're welcome. It's just that...

Just what, Mom? Cindy sounded indignant.

Natasha looked at her daughter then on to Sylvia before brushing a hand over her forehead. It's just such a long time. I never dreamed I'd see someone like your friend ever again, Cindy.

This is Sylvia, Mom, said Cindy.

Natasha smiled and reached out to grab Sylvia's hand. You're very welcome, Sylvia, she said. My goodness, look at you. It's obvious you've had a hard time. Sit down. I caught part of your conversation. You're from Uronia, aren't you?

Cindy stood staring with her eyes round in amazement.

Yes, Mrs. Meikin, I am. Cindy pulled me through the void and rescued me, Sylvia said

Cindy? replied Natasha in astonishment. "How could she?