Filed to story: The Chosen Saga Novel PDF Free
“Is everyone ready?” A chorus of ‘yeses’ came back. “All right let’s go through the door of Earth. Each door is defended by magic so you will feel it when you walk through. It might feel like a tingle along your skin, but it is nothing to worry about. When we get there, we will file through one at a time. Okay let’s go.”
They walked through the forest for a few minutes when they came upon a clearing. It had four archways across from each other around the circle. Araiya assumed each arch was in the direction of their element and it led to the dragon keep. They would be starting at Earth, so the northern-facing archway.
Amara led the group to the archway. “This leads us to Earth if you haven’t figured out how to tell what door leads where. You will need more help than I am willing to give at your age.” A few laughs ran through the group. “One at a time follow me.” With that she went through the archway and disappeared.
“Um Talon, is this the way we came before?” Araiya whispered to him.
“Yeah, it’s going to suck still until you are recognized by the Enforcer of each element.” He patted her back.
“Can you just get him and y’all do it before I go through?”
“Um, the thing is all the Enforcers leave their keep when the recruits come. They all go hang out with River.”
“Why in all the darkness do they do that?”
“Well, they have a lot of power that they have slowly built over the millennia. The younger dragons wouldn’t be able to find their mates with them around. Their power would block it. So, every year they take a fishing trip in Water. They come back on the fourth day after everything is said and done for the feast.”
“Well fan-fucking-tastic. You are telling me that I’m going to be zapped every day, sometimes twice, until I meet these four men.”
“Well, I am sure River recognized you on his gate, so there is that,” Shavon put in. Araiya groaned and stepped up when it was her turn. She took a deep breath and stepped through. Just like before the pain fucking sucked. She landed on her hands and knees and stayed there until her vision cleared. She got up once Shavon and Talon were through and dusted her hands.
“This sucks,” she grumbled as they caught up with everyone else. They followed the line through rooms and hallways. They came to a ramp that went down deep into the earth, and when they started, Araiya groaned. Talon just chuckled behind her and pushed her forward. “Where the hell are we going?”
“You will see just follow,” he replied.
They walked down the ramp for what felt like forever until they reached a doorway. Everyone stopped and gathered around Amara. “Through this doorway is the center of the keep. The Roots of Earth it is called. Every keep has a center, and we will all visit it. We are privileged enough to get to see the center of each element. Even if it isn’t your element, I want you to go up to the center alone when we go in. Lay your hands on it and give thanks. Okay everyone, let’s go in. Don’t be afraid.”
She opened the door and walked into the dimly lit chamber. There were torches on the chamber walls, but most of the light came from the ancient oak tree in the middle of the floor. The soft green light cast a soft glow into the room as everyone filed in. The light slowly pulsed in time with Araiya’s heartbeat. Amara went up to the tree, laid her hands on the side and bowed her head. She touched her forehead to the tree and stepped back. She motioned to the next person, and they did the same.
The first Earth Chosen stepped up and placed her hands on the tree. The tree brightened and gave off a soft hum. She bent over and touched her head to the tree and the light flared and then she stepped back. She looked peaceful as she left to let the next walk up. Every time someone from Earth gave thanks the center flashed. Finally, it was Araiya’s turn to step toward the oak. As she walked closer the branches started to sway and the light pulse sped up. She placed her hands on the oak, and it lit up. Araiya had to close her eyes from the brightness. She lowered her head and once her forehead touched it, she heard a voice.
Welcome to my center, Mother. It has been a long time since I have felt your grace touch my soul
. A woman’s deep voice echoed through her mind.
I have missed you.
“Mother? I am sorry but I’m not who you think I am,” Araiya whispered back to the tree.
A young Chosen I see, now that is interesting. Do not fear me Young Mother. I am Earth. I will always be open to you if you need guidance. Just reach out to me in your mind if you have need of me, and I will answer. My son will watch over you and guide you as well. Leave in peace, Young Mother, and know I will always be here.
Araiya staggered back from the oak, her forehead burning. She fell to her knees as her vision flickered.
Talon ran up to her and crouched next to her. “Araiya are you all right? What happened?”
“Talon, what was that? My head hurts. The tree talked to me. Am I going crazy?” Talon grabbed her chin and tilted her head up to the light. Her anointed mark on her forehead had changed. Where at first it used to be just the outline of a five-pointed star, the center had been colored in purple, and the top point of the left side was now green.
Shavon and Amara had come to see what was wrong. Araiya’s vision had stopped flickering finally. The pain slowly receded, and she was able to take a cleansing breath. She staggered to her feet, still a little unsteady.
“Araiya, are you okay?” Shavon wrapped her arm around her waist trying to steady her. Amara looked at Araiya’s mark, then back to the tree.
“Araiya, can you tell us what happened?” Amara placed her cool hand against Araiya’s forehead, making her sigh.
“I went to give thanks, and when I placed my forehead against the tree here, she spoke with me. Earth called me Mother.” Araiya shook her head to clear it. “She said she missed me. I told her she was mistaken. She then called me Young Mother and said she and her son would watch over and guide me. That if I needed her just to reach out, she would be there. What does that even mean?” Araiya was finally strong enough to stand on her own. She looked around and everyone else was gone. “Where is everyone?”
“I sent them ahead to meet the unmated dragons once we figured out something was happening. I didn’t want anyone else here when you came out of the trance you were in. You were at the center for a while lass.”
“It only felt like a moment.”
“Well, it wasn’t. Earth moves at a languid pace. She doesn’t react quickly but slowly and with conviction. She is not rash, so when she felt your power connect with hers, she must have taken a bit to make the connection with your mind. The other elements are more aggressive on that front. So, I believe that for the remaining keeps, you meet with their centers with just us present. That way no one has to know what happens. You shall go last, and I will send everyone else to meet with the unmated while you connect with the elements.”
Shavon rubbed and patted her back in support. Araiya was starting to feel increasingly out of place, like a freak. “Why am I always the outsider?”
“You are not an outsider Araiya. You are special. Don’t let anyone make you feel that way. Only the Goddess knows what is to come, but you are special.”
Araiya couldn’t help but smile at Shavon’s conviction. She had never been called special, and it felt good. Araiya felt something brush her mind and Earth’s voice whispered to her: