Of Prophecies and Promises

Chapter 1

1

2769 A.D./P.E.D…. Second Earth… The children arose at the same time as those of the Order. There were chores to be completed, such as gathering greens and roots from the garden, collecting eggs from the birdhouse, and compiling whatever needed to be laundered that day. At the second tolling of the bell, all met in the Prayer Room. There were a few wooden benches for those whose bodies no longer allowed them to be seated on the floor. Two hours were spent here in meditation and prayer. It was not uncommon for mala bracelets and necklaces to be used as mantras were repeated, scriptures memorized, or hymns sung quietly. The last few minutes were reserved for the High Holy One to address those present, as some had duties elsewhere, an interpretation of an entry from a sacred text in which they would contemplate throughout the day, then discuss at the evening prayer session.

The colors denoted their vows, and thus their position in the hierarchy of the Order. The High Holy One wore white robes, and was considered an enlightened being, one that communed constantly with Source. Those who served the Holy One wore red, next came orange, then yellow. Some Anadas stayed at a level for years, others not as long. It was the decision of the High Holy One when an Anada was to receive the invitation to the next level. They served the villagers, those in yellow trading for what could not be made or grown inside the walls of the Sanctuary. Blessings and raw food, natural body cleansers, fermented grains and fruit, and wick-and-wax were what the Anadas had to offer. The trade depended on the individual’s needs, whether a grasping at salvation from Source or a meal that was not contrived from a machine. The Order also received information during their time spent in the village that they brought back and shared with the others.

Besides the Anadas, there were several children living at the Monastery. They were clothed in brown robes. All had shorn heads, like the Anadas, regardless of the s*x of the child. They were educated in all the traditional curriculums, as well as the scriptures. The one of the Order who first touches a child is the one charged with that child’s growth. Moral teachings were often taught on a one-to-one basis, while academic and religious content was delivered in the Learning Room adjacent to the Prayer Room. All the children had duties, and it was through these that their character was developed.

Oftentimes, one raised in the Monastery becomes unfit for life outside. The technology, the chaos, the myriad sights, smells, and sounds of the village beyond the walls of the Sanctuary were more than they were accustomed to. Those who left the confines of the Monastery, rarely returned, either because they had lost their way spiritually, or had been swallowed whole by the universe.

Gage St. Veritas had been at the Monastery for all of his ten years. He found the learning of curriculum fascinating, and knew his ability to complete calculations, to read text with comprehension, and to communicate his ideas orally and in text were a source of silent joy for Anada Bosley. Though Bosley didn’t outwardly express his pride, Gage knew he was at the top of his studies. Bosley said it was better to be grateful to Source for the gifts bestowed, than to fall into competition and try to outdo one’s neighbors.

Anada Bosley had answered the bell that stormy night ten years earlier. He enjoyed being with the children too much to work his way through the vows to achieve the High Holy One’s status, or at least engage in the desire to climb the ranks within the Order. The High Holy One realized the gift Bosley had with the children and was satisfied to leave the Anada in the orphanage, administering to those who were placed in Anada’s care.

Because Bosley knew each of the children well, and especially Gage, he was aware of each one’s natural talent. What he saw in Gage, he had only read about. The boy was intelligent, inquisitive, often studying on his own once his chores and other curriculum were completed. The boy had a way with plants, could be found talking with them, knowing when they needed water or fertilizer from the birdhouse or casp corral, and they bloomed for him in a matter of moments rather than days. When one of the Order from another Monastery arrived to visit the High Holy One, he and his companions increased the number for the morning meal by twenty. When Gage returned from the birdhouse, there were twice as many eggs as what were usually given. After a soaking rain the previous evening, Gage was the only one to complete his outside work and return to the Prayer Room devoid of mud.

It was due to Gage’s insatiable desire for knowledge, and Bosley’s love for the boy, that he allowed Gage to accompany the other Anadas who were to travel to the village for trading. Since Gage had never been to the village, and rarely outside the Monastery walls, it was sure to be an experience.

Two casps, beasts as tall as a man’s head, with four legs and a wide, muscular body, were set before the wheeled conveyance. Harnesses were used to attach the wooden wagon to the animals. Barrels of ale, fresh vegetables, extra eggs, crates of wick-and-wax, containers of cleansers, and prayer necklaces were loaded. Two Anadas and Gage set off early in the morning and were due to return at nightfall.

The scenery slowly shifted from the forest that surrounded the Sanctuary to savanna. The breeze gently pushed the grasses over and Gage stared at the effect. He tried to look everywhere at once, the sky, the road ahead and behind him, the hills in the distance, the changing flora. His excitement grew as they encountered more beings on the roadway as they neared the village. Gage’s mind had just begun to feel comfortable with the nature that surrounded him when he looked up to see a large starship approach the far side of the village. He was staring, open-mouthed, when they topped the final rise of a hill before descending to the village. It was here that Gage stopped.

The village where the Anadas would partake in the trading was comprised of a few dirt roadways, an equal number intersecting and parallel to each other. Buildings made mostly from the wood of trees found in the higher elevations of the Monastery’s grounds were set next to each other, seemingly carefully planned. Various modes of transportation were scattered in the roadways, some moving, some stationary in front of a building. Between the simple structures and the Dolan River were the dwellings of those who called the village home. Most had animal pens, transportation, and at least one other smaller building that stood close to the abodes. Gage passed his glance over the village, then stared at what stood beyond it.

Structures of every size and shape, some taller, some spread wide, some made of stone, others of glass, sprawled in a chaotic pattern. Lights flashed and could be seen at this distance, even in the daylight. Numerous transpo filled the air above the metropolis. The waves of noise from everything and everyone in the city reached Gage’s ears, and he cringed.

Anada Dal placed a reassuring hand on Gage’s shoulder. “The texts can’t keep up with the growth of Malhinda, the capital city of Second Earth. We’re unsure of all that occurs in such a place. Since few seek refuge behind our walls, we can assume that there are few interested in spiritual pursuits. Come, Gage, we won’t be going to Malhinda today.” Anada Dal began walking, leading the casps and loaded wagon down the hill to the village.

Gage stood another moment, staring with awe at all he had not seen in his sheltered life behind the walls of the Sanctuary. There were only two computers in the Monastery, one was used to connect the High Holy One to other sanctuaries on Second Earth, and the other was used mostly by Bosley for curriculum. The texts and information they learned from were as current as one could get without access to various databases. Gage felt drawn to the city. Maybe because it was unknown, forbidden, full of those so unlike the Anadas he was surrounded by at the Monastery. He, and all the orphans raised with the Anadas, were happy with their lives, as they knew nothing else. Most aspired to become an Anada. Bosley had never discussed the issue with Gage. He must have known I’d be drawn to this, Gage thought. Even though he was as disciplined with his scriptures as with his curriculum, his heart told him that would not be his path. But what else was there? In a city like Malhinda, Gage was sure he could find what called to him. He trotted down the hill to catch up with the Anadas.