Epic of Aravinda 1: The Truth Beyond the Sky by Andrew M. Crusoe

Author:Andrew M. Crusoe [Crusoe, Andrew M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Tags: Science Fiction, Adventure, Philosophy
ISBN: 9780615703916
Amazon: 0615703917
Publisher: Aravinda Publishing
Published: 2013-03-19T17:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

THE TEMPTATION OF TRUTH

The following day began with the gloomiest morning Zahn had seen yet. When he saw the view from his room’s window, he was surprised that silver clouds extended as far as he could see, and the ocean swirled in dark colors below.

Since Oonak had alluded that this would be their last day on Aarava, Zahn repacked his belongings into his backpack, with the addition of the flute and some soap cubes. He also put his Avani clothes back on and was pleased to discover that, now that they’d been washed by the Aaravans, they smelled vaguely sweet like the huge flowers he had seen when they first landed. While he did this, he heard a ringing in his left ear and did his best to ignore it.

When Zahn entered the meeting room, Oonak was just serving breakfast. He explained that he had received a message from Vivienne saying that she would arrive soon, so once they had finished, all three of them waited outside under the overhanging roof to stay out of the rain.

A chill breeze blew all around them and through them.

After a few minutes, they heard a low humming noise. It was so ubiquitous that even Oonak couldn’t discern its source, but when a bronze, disc-shaped craft emerged from the dark jungle, its source was unmistakable. The craft was quite similar to the vessel Zahn had seen the day before, only larger.

Once it had landed down by the beach, a ramp extended to the ground, and they walked down to it. When Zahn realized that it was Vivienne who was walking toward them, he let out a sigh of relief. At least he knew who they were dealing with. Except this time, Vivienne’s eyes had changed from a golden hue to a bitter yellow, and it made him uneasy.

“Vayuna has returned,” Vivienne said. “However, I cannot take you to her.”

“Why?” Zahn said. “We’ve waited patiently like you asked.”

“Zahn, let me handle this,” Oonak said. “Vivienne, surely Vayuna understands that this mission’s success could potentially save millions of lives, including the inhabitants of this world. If Zahn’s world is now under threat, all worlds in this region of the galaxy are. Doesn’t Vayuna understand this?”

“Vayuna does. However, I will not take you to her.”

“Why?” Asha said. “Why won’t you fulfill your promise?”

“Do you know how many visitors from the Confederation have come to Aarava during Vayuna’s reign?” Vivienne paused. “None. It has been many years since the Confederation has acknowledged us. Why then should we acknowledge the Confederation? Furthermore, you have purposefully trespassed near one of the barrier spires. You have proven yourselves unworthy to see Vayuna.”

“Vivienne,” Oonak began. “Aarava should have been contacted by a Confederation vanguard years ago. I do not know why a vanguard failed to contact this world, but this is further proof that something is unbalanced in this part of the galaxy. From the data I’ve gathered, the Vakragha are the most likely cause. Vivienne, you said before that you were the mouth and the ears of Aarava.

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