First Rift

THE POOL GLOWED FROM in rear of the room in which Javine paced. In the absence of Votoro d’Omneas and Votara d’Omnia—the priest and priestess sworn to the duty—Tamala and Gaspar stood guard over the swirling colors of light. In their traveler’s robes, with hoods securely in place, they stood motionless. Javine marched over to the pool and stopped between them.

“The Voteri will be bringing Yster in from her guided meditation soon.” Javine said in a hushed voice. “Remember, she doesn’t know I’m a traveler.”

“Yes, boss,” Gaspar rasped.

“No. You can’t call me that. Just use my name. Javine.”

“You got it, boss,” teased Tamala.

“Not funny.” Javine turned to the taller black cloak. With so much at stake, he was not amused by the female traveler’s jest. He wore simple greys that the mentors and entrants were allocated. Travelers were not allowed to divulge their identities, so his rifting to Earth with Yster was a risk, though many were well aware that he went through on the treasury’s business from time to time.

He’d planned this rift to be two iméri before the official sixth entrant wave—giving Yster the excuse that there weren’t enough travelers available on the appropriated day before Sixth Induction. Therefore, she would have to travel early. He had the board meeting at Travelers Companies anyway, so he could accompany her under the guise of Tesoreria business. It was all entirely plausible.

“She is cleansed,” a man’s voice announced, the official tones sending an ethereal echo around the cavern behind Javine.

He turned to the source of the words. The Voteri of the Ninth Holy Unity stood in the cave’s entrance, both in white robes with golden trim. Their parting revealed Yster, her eyes glassy. The ritual fires intoxicated and were intended to ease non-travelers through the rift. She’d recover as she emerged on the other side, but she already floated after burning the Pelea shoots in the small cleansing room toward the mouth of the cave.

The Votara moved to her side and aided Yster in walking toward the pool. “The travelers will go through first and help you on the other side.” Votara d’Omnia’s voice was sweet, calming as she spoke to Yster. “We’ll place you in the pool and you’ll sink into the rift. Once you’re inside, you’ll feel the travelers pulling you through. You will be disoriented, but do not fight the pull.”

Gaspar climbed the few steps, entered the pool, and sank through the rift, followed by Tamala.

Javine went to Yster’s other side. “I’ll go through before you and meet you on the other side,” he said, gently.

Her distant gaze drifted up to find his eyes. “Are you not… unsteady?” Her voice was thin, airy. She drew her brows together in confusion.

“I’ve done this a time or two. Remember?”

“Ah, yes,” she breathed.

Javine climbed into the pool, reclined, and sank.

About Susan!

My life in Prior Lake, Minnesota revolves around my husband, three children, and two dogs—a border collie named Chipper and a Bernese Mountain Dog named Delaunay. If you check out my Facebook page (fb.me/susanstradiottoauthor), you’ll definitely see the BMD smiling back at you. I’ve been a Technology Project Manager for more years than I’d like to admit, but stories are my passion. I have always been a voracious reader, lover of worlds, and a “werd nerd.” My infatuation with well-developed characters sometimes rivals my relationships with real people. I spend my free time writing, networking with other writers, and occasionally camping “up-north.” If you’re from Minnesota, you’ll get the reference along with “hot dish” and “grey-duck.” If you’re not from Minnesota, you probably don’t want to ask. Note that I’m originally a Texan, and that just never leaves you!

Happy reading and thank you so much for all your love and support!

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