Jezebel and Aunt Cathy waved goodbye as the Land?Rover headed for their holiday unit. Brian tooted the horn and soon the sight of them was no more.

  Tibbar came to life, jumped down from Jezebel’s arms and headed into the house through the open door.

  “Well,” pondered Cathy, smiling successfully at Jezebel. “That went well.”

  “Are you kidding?” giggled Jezebel. “We put them through hell.”

  “What?” Cathy looked unsure. “Are you serious?”

  “I guess a little,” laughed Jezebel.

  Jezebel and Aunty Cathy went back inside to find Tibbar eating another sweet potato on the kitchen floor.

  “How did you get to the village so fast?” asked Cathy.

  “It wasn’t that hard,” said Tibbar.

  “Anyway, that was nice what you did for the boys, Tibbar,” said Cathy. “That was really special.”

  Jezebel sat down in a huff.

  “It was a bit of work keeping those keys from Dad. But we managed it in the end,” said Jezebel. She looked thoughtfully at Tibbar. “Maybe if you’d just told us the time we were meant to walk through the airport doors, it wouldn’t have been so awkward.”

  “It was the only way this time,” replied Tibbar.

  “Hey… we should have a little party today to celebrate our success,” suggested Jezebel.

  “Okay. But later,” said Aunt Cathy. “I’ve been dying to read this new book David’s been telling me about. I’ve been looking forward to it all day. Will you be all right for a while? I must rest.” said Cathy, feeling tired.

  “We’ll be fine,” said Jezebel, watching Aunt Cathy head upstairs to the guest room.

  Jezebel grabbed a juice from the kitchen and headed to her room and closed her door. She turned about to find Astar standing right in front of her. Jezebel let out a yelp of surprise. Astar was quite clear and stood still in harmonious composure.

  “Are you all right, Jezebel?” said Cathy, calling out through her partially open door.

  “Don’t tell Cathy I’m here just now, please, Jezebel,” said Astar.

  “Yes!” called back Jezebel. “I’m fine, Cathy.” Cathy closed her door.

  “Why can’t she know?” asked Jezebel, folding her arms.

  “I have been asked to bring you back to Fariddion, Jezebel,” said Astar, with a tone that portrayed to Jezebel that she didn’t somehow take her statement lightly. Jezebel thought Astar looked almost apologetic. Jezebel looked at Tibbar.

  “The Council of Fariddion awaits your presence,” said Tibbar.

  “The Council of Fariddion? But what about Cathy?” asked Jezebel.

  “Cathy has not been invited,” explained Astar, remaining perfectly still. Her red and gold dress always sparkling.

  “How long will we be away?” asked Jezebel.

  “No time will pass here,” said Tibbar.

  “You can’t have me being unable to wake up before Mother finds me. It was terrible what they went through. And having to lie to them,” frowned Jezebel.

  “We agree. We did not realize how long it would take for your spirit to readjust to the living earth,” said Tibbar. “Will you come?”

  “Well — I suppose so,” said Jezebel, feeling anxious.

  “The council has given us special permission to use our tiportal door. You will be whole?bodied on arrival. Behold!” said Tibbar.

  Jezebel turned to watch Astar open her closet door. Instead of seeing clothes on her hangers, an intense bright light filled the closet with orange and pink clouds swirling and tumbling within. Astar picked up Tibbar and took Jezebel’s hand and led her inside.

  “Get ready for a little jump,” said Astar, brightly.

  The floor gave way. She felt herself fall a moment before slowing to find herself walking through a cloud door. She was back in Fariddion. She still held Astar’s gentle hand. In front of her a large formation of standing stones encircled a black marble surface. There was a group of American Indians who rode up on horses. A large Aboriginal group with painted faces played and danced to the didgeridoo. A white Australian man danced with the crocodiles, knocking sticks together, his boomerangs circling above. Amazonian natives with painted headdresses full of feathers. Vikings rowed past in wooden vessels. Fire, Water, Earth and Storm stood together, rumbling and snapping without communicating. Bootum was there with several other colourful Angels, Wizards and Witches, in robes of pink, red, blue, purple and green. Rubbuz was slowly making his way over from afar. Encircling them and seated were hundreds of people, even if Jezebel could not see what they were sitting on. Jezebel did recognise one of the seated people: Mrs. Sheen from the shop of history.

  Without warning a large explosion happened overhead — a supernova, bursting into pinks and blues. Jugglers and acrobats came into the centre performing. All sorts of marine life came out of the black marble. Jezebel was most transfixed by the twenty dolphins jumping together. Jezebel began to smile. Then she laughed. A part of her felt at home.

  Astar led Jezebel to the edge of the circle then stopped. Tibbar jumped down and waited. Then a swarming mass of people and animals in the billions spun about the circle for a short time then faded away. Though Rubbuz was early to arrive, he finally came to a halt in the middle of the circle.

  “We have a guest from the living earth today,” he slowly stated. “Jezebel York. We have chosen Jezebel on this occasion because of her exceptional ability to communicate with us. And her pure heart. As a younger member of the living earth, she is closer to us by birth. Her acceptance to fantasy and magic more attuned. And as many of you know, two hundred years have passed since our last guest from the living earth stood in this room with us. A round of applause is deserved.”

  Jezebel looked delighted and surprised by the loud welcoming greeting she was awarded.

  “So with the welcome over, Gamaden will start our discussion.”

  A tall wizard dressed in a golden robe and a pointy hat crafted from a thin plate of gold strode firmly to the centre. He banged his staff of solid gold onto the black marble.

  “Greetings, my fellow Fariddions,” began Gamaden. Many voices of favour were returned to Gamaden. “I am most humbled to oversee this hopefully auspicious meeting. I will now read the question and call for civil and wise debate. Jezebel will be our messenger if this is passed.” Jezebel looked stunned. Gamaden continued. He lifted his golden pillar above his head causing thousands of flakes of gold to form a ring around the standing stones.

  “I vote for an attack on Harden,” stated a small boy who ran quickly forward from behind a large standing stone with his black and white dog to stand beside Gamaden.

  “My dog Archie thinks it too,” said the boy, JW.

  “An attack on Harden is not our way,” said Julie, a woman dressed in a nun’s habit coming to join the boy and dog.

  “My vote is we let earth make its own decisions as always. There is a constant choice of good and evil in the cycle of life, young JW. No matter what form it takes. I vote no interference. It’s quite simple really.”

  “I vote interference,” said Astar. Julie looked shocked by Astar’s statement.

  “I also see sister Julie’s logic, yet there is new information of Harden and his followers. Their plan I will leave to Tibbar to explain, which very few of you are aware of, including you Julie,” said Astar.

  “Yes — what does our friend Tibbar see?” gurgled Water. Tibbar hopped forward and stood still.

  “Harden has taken on a form portrayed as one from the living earth,” began Tibbar. “He intends to destroy the living earth by way of nuclear war.”

  Massive uproar ensued with such a worrying statement. Harden was pitied by all. Even the nun in habit looked dismayed.

  “He has become one of the American advisers to the current war in Europe,” continued Tibbar. “His goal is to start a nuclear war that will kill so many in one day that Fariddion will be conquered by the unimaginable amount of stranded souls arriving at once. The pain and suffering that it will cause he hopes will turn to evil. He and his followers have no respect for human life, as you know. They are only about power, nothing else. With so much misery over the earth, it is possible Fariddion will fall.”

  Another roar of outrage and vehement disapproval thundered around the gathering. With tears in his eyes, Gamaden demanded silence from the council.

  “Thank you,” said Gamaden. “Oh — Tibbar. Are you sure of this?”

  “It is unfortunately the truth,” said Tibbar. And he hopped back to sit beside Astar.

  “Interference is my vote this time,” said a short man of Chinese appearance called Mencius, dressed in robes of blue and a black hat. A taller man with long black hair called Mozi, also in a long robe, stood beside him.

  “Nuclear war is the final war,” he spoke slowly. “There has been a world of manipulation over the centuries by man. And now by women. Their positions of shared authority with man are in many places since the earth’s late twentieth century. A rise in shared authority which has not yet brought peace to earth. Though either man or woman, a choice for right or wrong is ultimately in the individual’s hands. Politicians of earth are manipulative by nature. They don’t work fields or build houses or become doctors first. They do courses that are institutionalized in an increasingly manipulative modern world. Like their WEF. An influential group with questionable motives. Their sense of self?importance is overrated by outlook. And the Europeans are seeing this in increasing numbers. Though there is always some good with some bad.”

  “We all know the errors of earth’s ways,” laughed a jester. “We could talk about their weaknesses for another two hundred years. No interference.” The gathering laughed some more as the jester somersaulted the splits over and over.

  “I am also adamant,” continued the Chinese man Mozi, smiling at the acrobats’ antics. “They are dug in firm and will join sides to keep themselves and their parties in power. War is a sword they swing as a call to arms to remain in power as well. A weakness easily exploited. Unfortunately electronic machines can be manipulated by corrupt corporations. Also sociopathic or narcissistic characters have the right mind?setting to succeed, where others with less dubious intentions don’t have such desire to win at all costs. But I am getting off track. Harden has tapped into this weakness in earth’s history. Without our interference he may well succeed. We must at least stop Harden’s influence. He has no right to change the living earth’s history, once passed.”

  “Storm, Fire, Water and Earth say interfere.” Storm floated forward to the middle of the standing stones beside Gamaden. His mighty form and voice were always riveting to Jezebel. Storm continued, “We cannot manage so many deaths at the hands of nuclear war. Billions of souls flooding Fariddion in terror is an unknown to us. World wars. The bombs of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The great asteroids of the Alacant. Meteors, volcanoes and tsunamis of the past have given us some pressure. But we are in order now — I would vote for more than interference if I could. However, I’ll abide by the council’s decision as I have pledged to do. The earth is full of storms that challenge those of the living earth. But Harden is from our plan. He must be permanently stopped.”

  “I call for interference too,” said Diamond, moving forward in her red robe.

  Storm floated back to join his fellow elements.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “I am new to Fariddion. My concerns are fresh and will maybe seem raw to you. What most concerns me is humanity’s newfound greed and stubbornness for changing the fundamentals of life: population, identification, vaccination, war, climate, drugs, poverty, education, history. I sense wild fear and recklessness in their methods. A realignment in group thinking. Attitudes without answers. Obey us at all costs. And by this manipulation, derail balanced social order. The planet is at a crossroads. They are weak. Division is spreading. They may well follow Harden’s wishes.”

  “They are always divided,” called out the black witch Willder. “Let them be whatever they want to be. We know far ahead that all these things that have been occurring before your passing, Diamond, will blow over and settle like the winds of Farabree. Interference, for Harden.”

  “I agree,” continued the Purple Prince. “As long as it is a natural process and not one of administered authority. People are still writing great music. Singing. Dancing. Celebrating. And stopping those who should not be making the decisions they have managed to make. They are also more informed to question authority, which has held a firm grip over the souls of the living earth. Their duty is to life. To peace. To love. Duty to advancement of the mind. Staying safe and happy and growing old pleasantly. I despise greed and the evil forces at play. Extinction of the natural order of life is being attacked. Interference. Destroy Harden.” The Purple Prince slid backwards to be re?seated.

  At that moment, Bluey came out of the black marble and looked upon the council. Its huge tail ever so gently administering just enough force to stay unmoved. Jezebel could not translate the wailing songs of Bluey that filled the room. Jezebel thought the whale songs hauntingly beautiful and a most otherworldly event. Bluey went silent but remained in sight watching Jezebel.

  A jade?coloured wizard walked forward to address the council. His solid jade staff helping to assist his ancient form.

  “Jaden will speak,” said Gamaden.

  “Thank you. I feel this meeting is being fully rational. It seems to me this is not a vote of interference but an official decree of the Council of Fariddion — that Harden is sentenced to death. Tibbar, Astar, Elvin and Karen could, could, carry out this order in Japan. The opportunity to turn the tables on this evil tyrant is more than a chance. Perhaps it is his destiny of our choosing?”

  “That is for another time, Jaden,” said Ynnus, the Good Green Witch of de?Meath, who strode forward on the back of a giant black Percheron horse called Petronilla. Her long green hair and eyes sparkled with energy.

  “There was nothing we could do when I and my fellow sisters were sentenced to death. Burnt and drowned by lies of such naive fools,” said Ynnus, sadly. “We will never accept such cruelty. Though still the living earth’s leaders use war death as a tool. Fariddion only administers death in self-defense. It is wonderful that we never attack. However, here is our chance to bring an end to this fool Harden, the bringer of death, once and for all. Once banished, there is no other among them who has the power to maintain the Stranded. This Stranded sickness for power and control will sadden us no more. I still hurt for those in living earth labelled for political gain. They may as well call them witches. These names and labels are but orders to strike the match against those who question dubiously administered rules. It is rumored that Harden was the first king from when the lands were together to break from enlightenment. Let us put an end to his infernal desire to conquer. It grows dangerously close to the balance of our play within the eternal cosmos,” said Ynnus, stroking her horse’s mane.

  “Agreed,” nodded Jaden, walking away. “Banish him. His disappearance will scatter the Stranded into oblivion.”

  “I hear your need for the protection of the living earth,” said the Sphinx. Its large mass came up from the black marble. Ynnus turned her horse to make way and rejoined her sisters.

  “For eons they pray to us for food. For protection. For guidance. For love. Until the children know not of the hands that shaped us. Time has led them to follow just gods and false gods. This time I see that their prayers have been answered. The world will remain safe by the banishment of the one you call Harden. Wisdom is like a seed in the desert waiting for the knowledge of the raindrop to show it the way. Many die in the dry desert waiting. Again the winds of time may bring the lands together once again. But for Harden, his wish to destroy all that is not his to destroy? A part of me wishes to swat him like a fly on the sands at my feet. Banish Harden. Let him wander in nothingness for ten thousand years, until his last thought of violence is but a thought he can no longer remember.” The Sphinx looked up at another supernova before returning below to the living earth.

  “Please, please,” said the boy wizard, Troy. “Stop Harden. The living earth have created such great minds as those gathered here today. The works of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Vermeer. The buildings of Brunelleschi, Bernini, Wren. Great writers and thinkers like Shakespeare, Confucius and Aristotle. Nation builders like Robert the Bruce, discoverers like Cook and Banks. The Japanese navigators of the Pacific south. My personal favourites of the living earth are carers. These truly great doctors and nurses of human compassion are also seated here today. I’m sorry. I’m just so excited to be able to talk here today,” shone Troy. The gathered council laughed and smiled at Troy. They even had fun pretending to clap. They loved him so much.

  “Astronomers, Galileo, Sagan, Einstein and Armstrong,” continued Troy, smiling at them. “No one person can say that their feet are the only feet to have walked the land. It is but a claim made with age. As Armstrong’s first footprints are a symbol to all from the living earth. The human foot. The moon is shared. Countries are places where differences have cultivated separate cultures over time of understandable ownership. From simple face paintings to works of art. Looking to the heavens to what their eyes can see. What their minds can understand. These things are best respected. We could and have talked of the brilliant minds of the living earth, constantly. Their minds open to the suns and moons and planets above their heads. They are so clever. They are strong willed. They love each other and the good things of what life brings. It is only a small percentage of those who you focus your dismay upon, but understandably so. There is always one seed that falls within a tree with the intention to use it. Not every bird will understand flight. Not every belief however strong will last long in history. Not every person from the living earth has the same talents, but almost all have at least one special something that belongs to them. If they choose to use it, or not,” concluded Troy. “Thank you for allowing me to speak. Bye,” smiled Troy. The council applauded.

  “I’m glad the calling of the council is a rare event,” said Gamaden. “Such suggestions and interference is difficult for us. We want them to be happy. We want them to have abundance. We want them to succeed. In time we hope there are none from the living earth who feel stranded. But it is not that place. We ourselves take their cares and fears away. However — Harden, if he has decided to interfere with the living earth’s history, must be banished. Without him his followers may go back to just haunting castles. To wander in denial. I sense that the current attitude towards our vote is no longer interference, but the banishment of Harden. I feel it in the council.” said Gamaden. “I will waste no more discussion and call the vote. We must act. It is my decision in overseeing this council.”

  A silence fell on the council. Jezebel could hear no more words. Astar retook Jezebel’s hand and walked her calmly towards the centre of the circle of stones.

  “It is our decision to—” began Gamaden.

  Without warning, a super?fast low?set sleek red sports car swerved and slid around the standing stones like a chicane. It squealed and burnt rubber as it zigzagged to the left of Ynnus, to the right of Troy, to the left of Sister Julie, to the right of the two Chinese men, then slid dangerously to a halt, just managing to gently poke Gamaden’s golden staff. Gamaden looked unmoved to Jezebel.

  “Glad you could join us, Elvin,” said Gamaden, snatching his staff back into both hands.

  A handsome male with short styled dark hair, dressed in black leather, leapt from the driver’s seat. Tall, slim and youthful. Jezebel thought he had an amazing smile and presence.

  “Sorry I’m late everybody,” smiled Elvin.

  A most charming woman with a big smile stepped away from the passenger seat. She wasn’t as tall as Elvin. She also had dark hair, just over the shoulder. Intelligent dark brown eyes calmly assessed the council. Just like Elvin, she was dressed in leather, but white. She looked about at the gathering then spun a turn and walked quickly up to Jezebel and shook her hand.

  “Hey man, I’m Karen,” she smiled. “I am your protector on this journey.”

  “Her and I both,” smiled Elvin, raising an eyebrow. He spun about and looked Gamaden in the eye while combing his hair.

  “What’s the verdict, man?” he asked quietly in a soft deep voice. Gamaden sighed and blew some gold dust off of the hood of Elvin’s car.

  “Like I was saying — nice car by the way,” acknowledged Gamaden.

  “Thanks,” grinned Elvin.

  “Like I was saying — the vote is for the banishment of Harden!” concluded Gamaden, in a loud voice. There was steady applause.

  Elvin clicked his fingers. “Alright,” he smiled.

  “However — as by Jaden’s request, it will be passed down that this was a decision against the Stranded’s leader Harden only. The living earth remains free?willed.” Jaden nodded and moved away. The council dispersed.

  “What do you think of the plan, Jezebel?” asked Elvin.

  “She doesn’t know yet,” answered Karen. Astar turned to Karen and giggled.

  “That’s correct,” said Astar. “Tibbar and I are yet to discuss how we need her help.” Elvin nodded to himself, placed his arm around Karen, and walked back to his car.

  “We’ll be seeing you later, little lady,” pointed Elvin to Jezebel, who waved back. Karen jumped slowly over the car and landed with a click on her boots.

  “Bye Jezebel. Like he said,” smiled Karen, pointing at Elvin, before climbing into the car with ease. The tint on the car was so black you could barely see inside.

  “She has a big smile, doesn’t she, Astar?” said Jezebel.

  “Hmm, very,” replied Astar, in agreement as the car left quickly.

  “So — what is the plan?” asked Jezebel.

  “All will be revealed in the living earth, Jezebel. We can return to your home now,” explained Tibbar. “It is still unsure to us how it may affect you spending too much time in Fariddion.”

  “Very well — bye everybody,” waved Jezebel. The council members smiled and all said farewell.

  Jezebel stepped out of her closet. She turned around to see Astar wave goodbye. The closet was full of Jezebel’s clothes again. Jezebel ran and dove onto her bed and smiled at the ceiling. Her head spun with so much wonder. As well, she felt amazed. With narrowing eyes came a realization for the first time that she had a talent. It had always been James who had a talent. But who could she tell except Cathy? No one, yet.