The Dreamwalkers

After meeting at the age of 12 while their fathers attended an academic conference in Washington DC, Lily and Illyana became fast friends. This friendship grew as the two maintained contact via email and photos. In those four years they even each visited the other in their own country. When they were sixteen they finally convinced Illyana’s parents to allow her to attend Lily’s preparatory school in Wichita. They lived together with Lily’s father in an apartment during the week but left for Heaven on the weekends.  Those two years, the summer of their junior year through October of their senior, they were inseparable. Illyana’s engaging flirty demeanor drew Lily out of the reserved shell she was in since her mother’s death. And Lily’s even temper and thoughtfulness curbed Illyana’s zealous lack of caution.  In Manaed will their friendship be tested, as both realize that the other has a special attachment to Duncan? Though for different reasons, each realizes their need for him...

Journal Entry- Anders 10.2 First night away in nine months, fifteen if you count the time I was in the hospital. And of course I don't remember any times before that. It is both exhilarating and daunting, not that I've forgotten how to drive a car or check into a hotel, but whether I have ever done either before is up to debate. And the thank me and say my name, the name I've been told for nine months is mine. Nothing new for the doctor there. My mission is pretty straight forward. Find the professor who's been missing for twelve years. The professor who became a recluse after the death of his daughter and some of her high school classmates in a bizarre chemical explosion in 2003. His wife had previously died when the daughter was five. He retired from teaching North American history at Wichita State University and was subsequently rarely seen.  The Clinic has procured the police reports and other relevant documents. Very thorough that organization. I intend to review t...

 The phone buzzed. He glanced at it. It was a Clinic number. It was always a clinic number. Dr. Goldman. "Hello, Oscar." He said. "Anders, I hope I am not interrupting anything." The doctor's voice was friendly and casual. Seemingly casual, Anders thought, friendly yes, but the casual nature of his conversation belied what Anders had come to know as a very considered and intentional approach. Occasionally he seemed more an interrogator than a psychiatrist.  "No," He replied, "I was entering my journal, but I've just finished." "I'm glad you are keeping up with it so well. I know these past nine months haven't been easy for you but I have good news." Anders sat up straight. " You passed your most recent evaluation and have been cleared for L3 duty, and your first assignment has come down." Anders felt a surge of excitement and simultaneously a great sense of relief. He made it! The doctor continued, "It has...

 The silent assassin. She has never been known to speak or to remove her creepy doll face mask. She is as deadly as she is mysterious. The Shadow’s closest underling she is sent out to do it’s bidding when normal assassins are inadequate. The few that know of her believe she is the prime suspect in the death of Queen Lilac. Will her services be called into use against Lily? Only the shadow knows…

 The Queens are descended from the line of Dayne, the warrior king of Alban. The mantle does not pass from mother to daughter but rather when one Queen passes another rises from the bloodline.  For 400 years this progression was uninterrupted but with the unthinkable and impossible murder of Queen Lilac at the hands of agents of The Shadow the title passed to Lily, who was yet too young and whose great grandparents were long lost in the physical world. The Queens serve as protectors of the Mana of Manaed, wise counselors, and peacemakers. Mana flows from them and they bring balance and light to the land much like the Mana Springs used to do.  The powers of the Queens is myriad and it is said they even have the ability to  manifest physical objects from the Mana itself. These powers are always used for the benefit of the land and others, and never for selfish, cruel, or evil acts. The Queens are always bringers of light and hope. There have been 9 Queens so far, with ...