Good fiction is not only based on believable and interesting characters but, at its centre, is THE QUOTE. The whole point of storytelling is to set the scene for something important to occur. This is generally encapsulated in the words of the characters at strategic points along the way. When we recall loved novels, we recall moments of meaning, change, and insight. Often, we can remember the exact words that were said. I sometimes think, with a little amusement, that writing fiction is like a long, drawn-out way of writing nonfiction. It takes a lot of words, conversations, and stage-setting to get to the point we want to make.
Here is the previously unpublished final part of the Waldmeer Series, Faith: For Nothing, For All.
Chapter 36: Annihilation
Although the Lowlands army was primed and ready to attack, the little group at Floating Cave Monastery did nothing – nothing out of the ordinary that is. The six members of the household – Faith, Aristotle, Odin, and the three mystics from the other Borderfirma lands – went about their day as calmly and quietly as if it was peace time. It’s not that they sat in meditation all day. They had their normal prayer and meditation times common to any monastery, however, they also gardened, cooked, and cleaned. They went shopping to the local village. They talked about minor things to the villagers and asked them about their lives. They volunteered at numerous local charities. They did normal things, but they did them with abnormal love and inclusiveness. Continue reading “Faith: For Nothing, For All”
Relationships are complex and multifaceted. They form, disintegrate, and reform based on problems, growth, destiny, and Divine assistance. Existence is much more than we can physically see. Our potential, in every way, is far greater than we understand. Spiritual reality is always pushing us towards evolution, healing, love, and freedom. Love can never be lost. It is not exclusive. Life is precious and should be lived with purpose and courage. It is not only possible but essential that we learn how to turn our human experience into a happy and harmonious one. Continue reading “Waldmeer Series: Combined Volume”
Here is the next part of Faith (Book 4 of the Waldmeer Series).
Chapter 26: Salt and Sex In the Borderfirma Lowlands:
Floating Cave was sacred and secret. It wasn’t particularly hidden but only those who were meant to find it did so. It was a single cave within a large rock formation at the far end of Indra and her father, Peter’s, property in the Lowlands. An underground spring fed into the peaceful rock sanctuary creating a lukewarm pool. As there was no natural outlet for the water to pass through the cave, the water gradually evaporated leaving behind large reservoirs of salt and other minerals. Salt ponds are highly buoyant. In fact, it is impossible to sink in them and you have to make a concerted effort to roll over; not that you would as you would probably get salt in your eyes.
Unlike other salt lakes and ponds, the Floating Cave did not smell. Nor was it infested with brine shrimp and flies which make salt lakes unpleasant to swim in. Part of the Floating Cave’s mystery was how the water remained so clear, clean, and fresh-smelling. It was as pristine as a commercial flotation tank but it was much more beautiful and healing. Peter told Faith that he believed the monks, who had lived for centuries in the Floating Cave Monastery, extracted chlorine from the surrounding plants and that they would religiously treat the water so that it kept its purity. That sounded the most plausible explanation, except for one thing. Since Evanora had ruled the Borderfirma Lowlands, the monks had gradually disappeared until there were none of them left in the Monastery. Still, the water remained pure.
Faith stood at the entrance of Floating Cave. Gabriel stood behind her. A year had passed both in Borderfirma and Waldmeer. This was the first time Faith and Gabriel had seen each other in that time. They hadn’t spoken yet. Gabriel appeared next to the ancient bell of the Floating Cave Monastery a matter of minutes ago. The bell was a portal for interdimensional travel. It announced visitors with a ring and forewarned their departure with another.
Walking a few metres into the cave and gladly away from the early winter wind, Faith stood facing the quiet pond. Without glancing back, she began to undress; Continue reading “Faith: Floating Cave”
Here is the next part of Faith (Book 4 of the Waldmeer Series). The last few partshave been written in close succession, however, we will now have a break from the story before returning to finish this fourth and final book in a few months. I sincerely appreciate your sharing in the series which began with the first chapter, One Who Speaks, 3 years ago.
Chapter 24: Death Row
In Tierramedio:
Last time Faith was in Tierramedio, she hadn’t noticed the hallway beside the Mirror of Life. It had a sign, Death Row. She certainly wouldn’t have gone down the passage except that the Master appeared and pointed for her to do so. Knowing that he would not lead her into danger, she accepted the invitation; not wholeheartedly, mind you. Faith came to a room on her left. It looked like a hospital room. Entering, she saw a lone bed with a sleeping man. He was an older person who was probably in the last stages of a fatal illness. She read the notice at the foot of the bed Continue reading “Faith: Way Out”
When the ocean comes to you as a lover, marry, at once, quickly, for God’s sake. Don’t postpone it. Existence has no better gift. Rumi
Desperation is the door of the Divine.
Chapter 21: Zen Den
In Wurt Wurt Koort:
“I need a bigger space for my Mystery School,” said Aunt Charity as she showed Bethany the room she had set up in the back of Rybert’s tearooms.
Bethany passed her hand over the bewitching glass ball which had pride of place in the middle of the round table. How similar it looks to Nina’s, she thought. It even has the same red velvet underneath and the same mysterious lights darting around inside.
“It’s one of a pair,” said Aunt Charity. “The sister crystal ball went to a woman I met in a country shop sixty-five years ago. The shop was called Zen Den.”
Here is the next part of Faith (Book 4 of the Waldmeer Series).
“I feel the love, I feel the love, I feel the love that’s really real.” (Walking on Sunshine)
Chapter 18: A Thousand Years of Tears
In the Borderfirma Mountains: Aristotle hung his legs from the top of the three-storey tree house in the palace gardens. It wasn’t the same without Malik. Tree houses are meant for sharing; sharing adventures and secrets. The last time Aristotle was in this tree house was half a year ago but in those months, many years had passed in the Borderfirma Mountains. Malik had long since outgrown the days of playing in trees. Continue reading “Faith: Tears and Sunshine”
