Secret Discoveries (Part 8)

photo source: http://www.markbeebe.com/Orb-Dark-Carnival.jpg

Part 8 by: SEP

The image had faded. Crystal was trying to stay calm as the light from the orb dimmed to a dull luminescence. The place was dark, and the darkness seemed to breathe and pull on her. Crystal looked around feeling small and helpless. She had not felt this way since she was five and had been presented at her first adult ball.

Crystal had been small for her age. Indeed, she could still remember the forest of skirts and breeches that had trapped her, bearing down upon her as she tried to negotiate crossing the enormous ballroom. On the verge of tears Sheeba had saved her, taking her hand and leading her to the edge of the room near the punch bowl. Smiling down at her young charge, Sheeba had said, "Don't cry Princess, the ball is only scary if you don't know who the people are. You'll grow, and you'll make friends, and one day you'll enjoy the dancing and talking. For now, you may stay with me." And they had played. Sheeba pretended to hide behind the huge drapes framing the balconies, and then, while both were laughing, Sheeba had pulled Crystal out onto the balcony and taught her how to search for and find constellations amongst the starts.

Crystal looked upwards into the black void wondering if some star would shine upon her and offer some light, comfort, or perhaps protection. 'Strange that Sheeba's words should come back to me now, in this place of horrible emptiness,' thought Crystal, shivering. "Hello," she said to the darkness. Her voice sounded feeble in vast emptiness. Something within Crystal hardened. 'I am no longer a child, and I refuse to fear the unknown.' Now, in a strong and steady voice she announced, "I am Princess Crystal, daughter of King Arthur who is ruler of Great Britain, and a niece of the great Sorceress Morgana. I pay homage to you. Please be so kind as to honor me with your presence."

Immediately the darkness seemed to change. She felt rather than saw the new presence, and although she suddenly felt fear wash over her, palpable as water, she stood tall and erect before the crystal ball and hourglass. Then, an omnipotent voice broke over her like a wave, high and shrill, yet deep with tones of malice, and hissing as though stone were melting from the presence of acid. "We both know you are not Crystal... You saw Crystal in this very orb before you."

Crystal's heart clenched. She had not wanted to consider the vision still playing before her eyes. She heard a chuckle float towards her, the voice mocking her thinly veiled panic. "Come, come child, let us discuss reason. Perhaps another vision from the ball will persuade you."

Immediately, dazzling light filled Crystal's eyes, half blinding her, and despite her wish to look away, to run in terror, she felt compelled to look within the orb.

NEXT --> Part 9