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Candelane Chapter 11 Wendell St. John The sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me next morning as soon as I opened my eyes. Just as I reached for my robe, there was a soft knock on the bedroom door.

“Come in.” I answered, swinging my feet over the side of my bed and pulling on my robe.

The door opened and Strength came in carrying a cup of coffee. AGood morning Kara,” She said, handing me the cup. “I thought you might prefer your morning coffee up here.”

“Good morning, and thanks for bringing it up to me. I was just going down to raid the kitchen. I am as hungry as a horse.” I replied, sipping the coffee before setting the cup down and going over to draw the window curtains. Bright sunlight poured through the windows and I sat on the window seat enjoying the warmth.

“You are up bright and early. What time did you finally get to bed last night?” We had arrived at the farm around eleven p.m. and I had come directly to bed leaving Strength in the capable hands of Mrs. Sun and her husband.

Strength glanced at her wrist watch and smiled at me. “I went to bed soon after you and slept like a baby. I’ve been up and about almost two hours.” She walked around the room with interest sticking her head in the open bathroom door and looking inside. “This is very nice.” She murmured, pulling the door shut.

“This used to be my mother’s room.” I explained lazily. “You slept in my old room. What have you been doing for the past two hours?” The clock on the bedside table showed it was going on ten. I had slept eight hours, the longest I could recall. Perhaps I was making up for my lack of sleep this past week.

Whatever the reason, the sleep had done me the world of good, because I felt rested and ready to face the day.

“I had breakfast and then Mr. Sun took me on a quick tour of the property.”

She said, looking out the windows at the pond. “You never mentioned the lake or the beautiful gardens. This is quite a large place. I am impressed with everything.”

Then she added with a note of wistfulness. “If this was my place I would make a point to spend all my summers here.”

I grinned at her, feeling mischievous. “Well, I am going to give it to you as a parting gift and you will be able to enjoy it to your heart’s content. After all, as High Priestess, I will be far removed from these earthly concerns.” I said loftily.

Her eyes widened in surprise and her jaw fell open. She quickly closed it.

“What? What are you saying?” She stammered caught off-guard by my offer.

“Don’t look so surprised. You are like the sister I always wanted and the perfect person to own this farm.” Seeing the disbelieved look on her face, I added. “Don’t worry. I will take care of all the details.”

Volume 13, Number 1

SPRING 2001

phoebe

39

Candelane Strength gave me a searching look, checking to see if I was serious or only having fun at her expense.” Well then I have to be doubly sure you get to the Temple, don’t I?” She said dryly, obviously deciding to play along.

“If there is one thing I learned from the Emperor it is that everyone performs better when given an incentive.” I said lightly. “My incentive to get to the Temple is that I will become much more than I can possibly imagine, and yours is to inherit all my worldly belongings. This seems a fair and reasonable trade.

Don’t you agree?” I was no longer joking and she knew it.

“It is a most generous offer, one I’m not sure I can accept.” She said doubtfully, unable to meet my eyes.

An awkward silence fell between us and I jumped up to go to the bathroom. “We don’t have to decide anything right now. There is lots of time to adjust to everything.” I held the bathroom door open and turned to look at her still figure. “I am going to shower and get dressed. See you downstairs in thirty minutes.”

Strength nodded and slowly rose to her feet. “I will tell Mrs. Sun you sure on your way down.” She murmured and left.

Mrs. Sun prepared an old fashion breakfast of hot pancakes served with maple syrup, cheese omelet, sausage and fresh fruit, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. While I ate, Strength sat at the table peeling and eating an orange. She seemed distracted, hardly saying two words. Whether this was due to our earlier conversation or some other personal matter, I could not say. Mrs. Sun also worked quietly stacking dirty dishes in the dish washer and putting away uneaten food in the refrigerator. Mr. Sun was nowhere to be seen, so I assumed he was out and about the farm. When the table was cleared and Mrs. Sun was satisfied that everything was in order, she dried her hands and sat across from me at the table.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you that I like your new hair style. It gives you a very different and carefree look.” She complimented, a smile broadening her mouth. “Still, I don’t know if I would have done the same with mine.” She reached up parting her long hair caught in a brown hairnet hanging down her shoulders.

Her small dark eyes regarded me thoughtfully. “I grew up believing that a women’s hair was her beauty. Back then we all wanted long hair.” She sighed softly and shifted in her seat. “I guess everything changes in time.”

I knew what she was talking about, having heard the same words from the Empress not so long ago. I didn’t necessarily agree but thought it wise to say nothing. “I was concerned about having to deal with my long hair every single day, and wanted a new look that would be both functional and attractive.” I looked at Strength’s hair, which she wore in a ponytail and smiled. “Long hair can enhance beauty but I am after inner beauty and believe that wearing my hair short is the best thing for now.”

“Well, it does become you.” Mrs. Sun repeated, beaming me another smile.

Candelane “I have to agree with you.” Strength chimed in, putting the orange skin in the sink.

“Do you know what Mr. Sun did with my headband?” I asked abruptly. All this unwanted attention to my appearance was making me a little uncomfortable and I wanted to change the subject.

Mrs. Sun nodded vigorously and said, “I do.” Then she left the kitchen for a moment and returned carrying a square brown wooden box which she placed on the table before me. “We have been hanging on to it for you.”

I eagerly opened the box and saw my mother’s gold headband nestled on a bed of royal blue velvet. Seeing it again after nearly thirty years brought back memories of the time my mother and I lived in this house and we played the High Priestess game. I stared at it in silence, strangely hesitant to remove it from the box. It was simply made but elegant, and I recalled that it had been almost weightless the night my mother placed it on my head.

Strength left the chair to stand next to me, also staring at the headband in silence. I reached out a steady hand and touched its cool smooth surface. As my fingers ran over the round pearly moon-stone at its center, a slight shock went through them and up my right up. My hand shook and I caught my breath but I had the presence of mind to tighten my hold on the headband. Strength and Mrs. Sun gave me questioning looks, as if they too sensed that something out of the ordinary was happening, but said nothing. Carefully, and with shaking hands, I slowly raised the headband and fitted it on my forehead. Mrs. Sun hurried from the room and returned carrying an oval table mirror on a round metal base. She quickly set it on the table before me and stood back waiting for my reaction.

The gold headband caught and reflected the light in the room like a priceless jewel, causing my dark skin to glow and my eyes to sparkle as if infused with some inner light. Its warmth filled my head, spreading throughout my body, a comforting familiar warmth that took me back to my early childhood. As I stared at my reflection, I saw with startling clarity that I now bore an unmistakable resemblance to my mother, or at least to my memory of her. Wearing her headband connected us in ways I didn’t fully understand as much as felt in my bones. It was as though she was present in the kitchen, watching me move another step closer to my destiny. You and I are one, a voice whispered in my mind. And I felt my hesitation and uncertainty fade away. I was now the proud owner of the headband and would guard it with my life.

“I had no idea it was so...so striking.” Strength said in a hushed voice. She was looking at me as if only seeing me for the first time.

Mrs. Sun, who knew nothing about the history of the headband, was nonetheless also impressed. “It fits you like a glove.” She said admiringly. “It just seemed to come alive after you put it on your forehead. I have never seen anything like it before.” She eased her round frame into the chair on my left, and peered at me, eyes bright with curiosity.

Candelane I touched the moon-stone, trailing my fingers down my cheek and letting my hand rest on the table. “It doesn’t weigh anything at all; it is as light as a feather.” I murmured to myself. “My mother was right after all.”

“How do you feel?” Strength asked.

“I feel different but the same, if you know what I mean.” I was searching for the right words to describe the flow of energy filling all the empty spaces in my mind.

“You look the same, only just a little brighter.” Mrs. Sun offered helpfully.

The kitchen door swung open and Mr. Sun came in from outside. We stopped talking and watched as he removed his wet boots and blue jacket. He was a short man with salt and pepper hair, covered by a black cap pulled low on his forehead, partly hiding small watchful eyes. His blue work pants, and gray shirt were surprisingly neat and clean, as though he had just changed into them. When he saw us sitting at the table, he raised his hand and removed his cap.

“Good morning, Kara. I trust you slept well last night.” He greeted me. His eyes took in the headband on my forehead and dropped to the empty box on the table. “I see you’re wearing the headband.” He poured himself a cup of coffee and joined us at the table.

I touched the headband again to be sure it was still on my head. AYes. I just put it on. And thanks for finding it.” I said warmly. “It was a family heirloom left to me by my mother and has been in the house all these years. I was surprised to hear that neither the Empress nor Emperor had ever seen it.” I liked talking with Mr. Sun, who was something of a handyman, not that there was much to fix around the farm, and could always be relied upon to provide information about the goings on in the nearby town.

Mr. Sun exchanged a meaningful look with his wife and stirred sugar into his coffee before speaking. “Well, three days ago I would have sworn that headband was not in this house. I cleaned every room in this house several times over the years and never noticed that box until two days ago.” He paused, lifted the cup to his mouth and swallowed his coffee.

“It had to be tucked away somewhere in a corner here; where else could it have been?” I asked guilelessly, avoiding Strength’s gaze. I didn’t want to tell them everything that had happened because they would not believe it, and the less said about it the better.

“That would make sense if I had found it in a corner; but I didn’t.” He said emphatically. “I found it in an old dresser drawer up in the attic. Those drawers had been emptied months ago.”

I could see he was disturbed by the unexplained appearance of the headband and was prepared to go on and on about it, but I had heard enough.

“Well, it does sound a little out of the ordinary and I believe you when you say that you never saw the headstand before that day.” I said smoothly, smiling at him. “All that really matters is you found it and I am now wearing it.”

Candelane He gave me a strange look but said nothing. Instead, he finished his coffee and took the cup to the sink. Mrs. Sun cast a quick glance in his direction and then looked at me. She opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it. I knew she wanted to say something but was unsure how I would react.

“Have any other unusual things happened?” I asked her directly. There was no point in beating around the bush.

Her hands flew to her mouth and her eyes widened with surprise. “What do you mean?”

“You are both acting as if you want to tell me something that might upset me. Don’t you agree Strength?”

“It does seem that way.” Strength agreed with a quick smile.

“I will tell you.” Mr. Sun said briskly. He turned off the faucet and dried his hands with a cloth towel. “Some unusual things have been happening around here. That headband turning up out of the blue is only the most recent. We don’t know what to expect next.”

“What sort of unusual things?” Both Strength and I asked together.

“Well, I was up late one night, a week or so ago, and went outside to check whether I had forgotten one of my tools in the field.” He explained, looking not at me but his wife. “The moon was so bright I didn’t need a flashlight. As I approached the grove of fruit trees, I saw two women, one following behind the other, leave the woods nearby and walk towards the pond. The woman in front stopped at the edge of the pond and pointed to the water. The other woman stood next to her without saying a word and they both stared into the water as if they were looking into a crystal ball. I was hidden in the trees and too far away to see what they were looking at so intently. I didn’t know what to think and some instinct warned me not to show myself. Then the first woman turned away from the pond and started back the way she had come. This time she was moving so fast, the other woman had to run to keep up with her. They entered the grove and disappeared.” He paused, folded his arms across his chest and looked me straight in the eyes. “It was like seeing ghosts or something, except the first woman wore something on her head that looked like that headband.”

His words were so unexpected that I was momentarily speechless. I looked away to gather my thoughts. He had witnessed my dream, only it could not have been a dream at all. I sat very still, trying to digest this and considered how best to respond. How much should I tell him and his wife? They clearly thought something strange was going on and suspected I might have something to do with it.

“I hardly know what to say.” I stalled, trying to come up with a believable explanation.

“That’s not all.” Mr. Sun continued. “The second woman looked like you.

But I knew it couldn’t be you because you were three thousand miles away and probably fast asleep.”

Candelane “He was so shaken up by what he had seen that he came right in and got me out of bed. We must have spent half the night talking about it.” Mrs. Sun joined in excitedly, looking at me and then at Strength, who was listening with rapt attention.

“You can imagine my surprise when you called a few days later asking about a gold headband. And then out of nowhere it showed up in the dresser. I can’t explain it but my gut reaction is that something strange is going on here.” Mr. Sun glanced at his wife whose head bobbed up and down in quick little nods.

“It sounds as though you had quite an experience.” Strength observed.

“I...”

Her next words remained unspoken because the phone on the wall rang and Mr. Sun, the nearest to the phone, picked it up.

“Hello.” He said in a pleasant voice.

Then a smile touched his mouth and he said, “Good Morning to you, Madam...We are all fine, thank you...Yes, they are both here in the kitchen...Sure.

Just a moment.”

He brought the phone over to me saying, “The Empress would like to speak with you.”

I took the phone and walked out of the kitchen into the library, closing the door behind me. “Good morning. This is a big surprise.” I said into the phone.

“Good morning to you. I just wanted to be sure you arrived safely and everything is going as planned.” The Empress said warmly.

“The flight was long but uneventful and we got here around eleven. I finished eating breakfast only a short while ago.” I told her, making myself comfortable on the sofa by the window. A light drizzle was coming down and the day had turned dark and brooding.

“How does Strength like it there?” She asked.

“She already had the grand tour and is suitably impressed. By the way, thank you for calling just now. I was in the uncomfortable position of having to explain about the headband’s sudden appearance and other inexplicable happenings here at the farm. Your call saved me having to spill the beans, so to speak.” I gave a nervous laugh at my near miss.

AWhat strange happenings are you referring to? Is something wrong with the headband? What is going on?” She was immediately concerned.

I sighed, brushing my hand through my hair and touched the headband, which I had forgotten I was still wearing. “The headband is even better than I expected. I am wearing it right now. It is a real eye-catcher and sure to be a conversational piece, to say the least.”

“I would really like to see you wearing it.” She said, sighing wistfully.

“I will see what I can do. Perhaps Strength can take my picture and Mr. Sun can develop the film.” I offered, glad to oblige her. It was good hearing her

Candelane voice again and I realized once more how much I was going to miss her. AWould you like to say hello to Strength?”

“In a moment.” She said briskly. “Now tell me about the strange happenings.”

“Right. Do you remember my dream about coming to the pond here at the farm with my mother and seeing the images on the water? Well, guess what? Mr. Sun just told us that he saw the entire thing take place that night. He went outside to find tools or something and saw two women walk out of the grove and down to the pond. The he saw them leave.” I paused, giving her time to understand what I was saying.

“Goodness gracious!” She exclaimed. “He saw the whole thing? How could he if it was a dream?”

“That is what I have been wondering for the past five minutes. He also said one of the women looked like me and the other one wore a headband just like this one. I almost fell out of my chair with astonishment. When you called I was trying to come up with a plausible explanation.”

The door to the library opened and Strength stuck her head in. I gestured for her to come in.

“What are you telling them?” The Empress inquired.

I pondered her question for a moment, weighing my options. AI will have to tell them the truth. I can’t very well say he imagined the entire thing or just act as though nothing happened.” I decided at length.

Strength shot me a questioning look and then a flicker of a smile touched her lip. I wasn’t sure whether she agreed with my decision or thought I was making a mistake. I decided to ignore her.

“Poor man. He must think spirits are haunting the grounds, and live ones at that.” The Empress chuckled softly. “I agree you should tell him the truth and ease his troubled mind.”

“Strength just came into the library. Do you want to say hello?”

“Sure. But before I do, I wish you a safe journey and good luck. I miss you already. It is just not the same here without you.” Her voice caught and trailed away.

“You are always in my thoughts also and I promise to take good care of myself.” I assured her quickly, afraid that I might start crying. “Here is Strength.”

And without waiting for her reply, I handed the phone to Strength.

They talked about the farm for a few minutes and then Strength said goodbye. She rested the phone on the table and sat back in her chair drawing her legs under her. She had a faraway look as if considering some weighty problem. I also had enough to think about myself, and didn’t bother to ask what she was thinking about. My biggest worry was how best to sell Mr. and Mrs. Sun about the High Priestess without making it sound too fantastic.

Candelane “Are you sure you want me to tell them everything?” Strength asked at length.

I shot her a quizzical look. “What else can I do I have to tell them something.”

“I agree. But a watered down version of the truth might be more appropriate. Don’t you think?”

“No, I don’t. How do you propose explaining the appearance of a chariot arriving at the front door today or tomorrow?” I asked evenly. “They already suspect something strange is going on and seeing us take off in a chariot will only make matters worse.”

She held up her hands and drew a deep resigned breath. “All right. Have it your way. But I think you are overreacting; Mr. Sun doesn’t suspect you of anything unusual. He is merely confused by what he saw and that hardly warrants telling him your life story.”

I rolled my eyes at her and went to the door. She could be so logical at times that I wanted to scream at her. “Normally I would agree with your reasoning, but something tells me that I must tell them the truth.” Opening the door, I turned to look at her. “Are you coming?”

“Whatever you say.” She muttered under her breath, clearly disagreeing with my decision, and followed me out of the room.

Mrs. Sun had begun lunch preparations in the kitchen. She glanced up as we entered but didn’t say anything, her hands busy peeling potatoes.

“Where is Mr. Sun? I would like to speak with both of you.” I said politely, and poured a glass of water from the refrigerator.

“He’s outside putting away the mower. This rain caught us by surprise.

Would you like me to get him?” Her hands were still as she waited in response.

I stood looking out the window at sheets of heavy rain pounding the earth.

Far in the distance was the soft rumble of thunder followed by a flash of lightening.

“No. Don’t bother. It can wait.” I told her as the thunder grew louder.

She nodded and resumed her preparations. Strength left to go upstairs and I wandered into the living room to await Mr. Sun’s return. Although it was early June, there was a slight chill in the air and this normally bright room felt dark and cheerless. I lit the kindling already laid out in the fireplace and watched as the fire took hold. Satisfied that it would soon spread its warmth in the room, I sat next to the stone hearth reflecting on Strength’s objection to telling the Suns the truth. Her advice was usually on the mark, and it would not hurt to do as she suggested, I reminded myself. Still, I had to follow my own intuition, and right now it was telling me to stick to my guns. The crackling fire, which now gave off a pleasant warmth, coupled with the muffled rumble of thunder lulled me in a dreamy state and my mind drifted off.

No sooner had my eyes closed than I heard the footsteps of Mr. and Mrs. Sun approaching the living room. They were talking but I couldn’t make out what

Candelane was being said. Scrambling to my feet, I sat in the rocking chair close to the fire and tried to compose myself. Out of the window, I saw it was still raining, although the lightning and thunder had stopped. It looked like the kind of rain that would continue falling for the remainder of the day. I hoped the chariot would choose a brighter day for our departure.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting.” Mr. Sun said apologetically, coming into the room. “I was in the barn waiting for the rain to let up.” He was now wearing a short sleeve shirt and brown pants and had removed his cap. “That rain was coming down like you would not believe.”

“It wasn’t anything urgent. I just thought we should finish our earlier discussion.” I reassured them easily. Turning to Mrs. Sun, who had not made it past the doorway, I asked, “Would you please ask Strength to join us? I know she would not want to miss-” “Here I am.” Strength called out, coming up behind Mrs. Sun’s squat figure and towering over her. She flashed a bright smile and waved at me.

I waited until she and Mrs. Sun were seated before beginning. “I don’t know how you will feel about what I am about to tell you, but I hope you will understand that I am speaking the truth.” I paused and looked at Mr. Sun. “That incident you mentioned earlier about seeing two women down by the pond is remarkably similar to a dream I had a week or so ago. In the dream, my mother and I passed through the grove and stood by the edge of the pond. She pointed to the water and several images appeared and quickly disappeared. We then retraced our steps back to the woods.”

Mr. Sun sat very still, an unreadable expression in his eyes. His wife’s hands flew to her mouth as if to stifle a scream. Strength shifted in her chair and folded her arms across her chest. No one said a word. A charged silence filled the room and I began rocking the chair back and forth, back and forth, carefully considering my next words.

Mr. Sun straightened his shoulders and cleared his throat. “If it was a dream, how come I saw it?” He asked frowning doubtfully. “I never heard of one person seeing another person’s dream while it was happening.”

“Neither have I.” His wife joined in, avoiding my eyes.

I stopped rocking the chair and went over to stand by the fire. It had burned down to a few red embers and gave off very little heat. I sighed and looked at Strength who shrugged and looked away. She was clearly not going to help me. I would have to muddle through on my own. Well, so be it.

“What you are saying is normally correct but we are not dealing with normal events here.” I explained in a calm voice. “You might find this hard to believe but there is more going on than meets the eye. I have been chosen as High Priestess of the Temple Of Light and Knowledge. And among my many talents, I apparently possess the ability to be at several places at the same time.” I spoke with confidence and pride. A liquid warmth filled my head flowing down my body to

Candelane my toes and extended out into the room casting a golden glow on everything it touched.

Mr. Sun’s eyes widened with surprise and his mouth fell open. He sunk deeper into his chair and stared at me as if I had suddenly sprouted two heads.

Mrs. Sun was also staring at me, but more with a look of sudden understanding and acceptance than surprise. She left her chair and came within touching distance from me. Then she bowed, mumbling something I could not hear, and returned to her seat where she sat with her hands resting on her lap and a smile on her face.

“Your headband is glowing and there’s a golden light all around you.”

Strength exclaimed, in a high pitched voice, quite unlike her regular voice. She ran over and touched my hands. “The light is everywhere.” She murmured, eyes big with surprise. Then a big smile covered her face and she hugged me close, kissing me on the cheek. “It’s happening. You are already on your way.” She whispered in my ear.

A great feeling of joy bubbled up inside me and I laughed aloud. “This is even better than I expected. I think I’m going to like being High Priestess.” I told her, and we both laughed and laughed again.

“Who or what is the High Priestess?” Mr. Sun asked in a loud anxious voice. His eyes narrowed suspiciously as he looked around the room searching for this mysterious person who might be hiding there.

The golden glow quickly disappeared from the room leaving only the dim daylight coming in through the windows and the soft glow of the table lamps. I nodded at Mr. Sun, acknowledging his question. “The High Priestess is a woman of considerable authority and power. She is a magical being capable of being in many places at the same time. She serves at the Temple of Light and Knowledge, which exists in a place far removed from this world, one that is governed by a different set of rules.”

He thought about what I said for a moment. Then shaking his head he asked, “How can you be the High Priestess and still be who you are? It doesn’t make sense.” He shook his head looking baffled.

Sympathizing with his confusion, I smiled benignly at him. It was not so long ago that I too had that similar feeling. “The answer is simple.” I explained. “A different High Priestess is chosen every five hundred years or so and I am next in line to serve that role.”

“When are you going to the Temple?” Mrs. Sun broke in, ending her silence. She looked calm and seemed to understand what I was saying.

Mr. Sun looked at her and then at Strength and myself. “Is this soothing to do with women?” He asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “I’ve read about female cults that worship Goddesses and make all kinds of outrageous claims. Is that what you’re talking about?”

Candelane I shook my head and held up my hand to halt his train of thought. “No. Absolutely not. That is not even close to what I am saying.”

“What she is saying,” Mrs. Sun interjected, casting him an impatient look, “Is that she is the Next High Priestess and is on her way to the Temple of Light.

That is hardly the same as being a member of some female cult.”

Mr. Sun glared at her muttering “Says who?” under his breath, then retreated into silence. His reaction was not surprising, given the vehement resistance and denial my announcement had elicited from the Emperor just a few days ago. Of course, Mr. Sun was my employee and was not in a position to call me deluded. But I felt sure the thought was going through his mind.

“When are you leaving for the Temple?” Mrs. Sun asked again, ignoring her husband’s skepticism.

“Any day now. We are waiting for the chariot that will take us there.” I replied distractedly. The fire was on the verge of going out and I couldn’t decide whether to let it die or keep it going. The room was warm enough but there was nothing better than a cozy fire to offset a gray rainy day. Sighing, I started to stir the ashes when Mr. Sun jumped to his feet and rushed over to stop me.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. Let me do it.” He exclaimed, reaching for the poker. “I will have the fire going again in no time.”

Thanking him, I stepped aside and watched as he poked at the ashes in search of glowing embers. Satisfied that a few still remained, he took the wood basket and went outside to get more logs. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief at his departure and I turned my attention back to Mrs. Sun. “Strength and I will be on our way not later than tomorrow. This farm is our starting off point.” I explained.

“I see.” She nodded slowly with a thoughtful look on her face. “How are you going to get there?”

I lifted my shoulders slightly. AI was told a chariot will pick us up here. But I have no idea what it looks like or what to expect.”

She looked at Strength who shook her head, and then at me again. “There are many kinds of chariots, each different from the other, and knowing about the one you will be riding would seem to be of great importance. Don’t you agree?”

“Definitely.” Strength answered before I could.

“Yes.” I agreed, studying her with sudden comprehension. There was a subtle change in the air, and an intuitive shiver ran through me. Mrs. Sun, whom I always knew to be my unassuming, mild mannered housekeeper, now seemed to possess an authority and dignity I had never seen before. Sitting erect in her chair, she looked up directly into my eyes and started speaking in a quiet voice.

According to the legend, the High Priestess arrived at the Temple of Light in a chariot.” She began.

“What legend?” I interrupted, too surprised to mind my manners.

Candelane She placed her finger on her lips in a hushing gesture. “This is not the time for questions,” she said softly. The she continued in a sing-song voice. “According to the legend, the woman chosen to be the High Priestess traveled on a chariot unlike any others. It is said to possess superior intelligence and an unerring sense of direction, but must be handled delicately.” She paused, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, “Why, there are tales about the chariot abandoning its riders in the middle of nowhere, simply because the woman lost her balance and could not keep up.”

“What do you mean by losing her balance?” I asked frowning. I didn’t like the sound of what she was saying. Was she trying to scare me?

“What does the chariot have to do with balance?” Strength joined in. There has to be more to it than you have told us.”

“I can only tell you what I know,” Mrs. Sun answered clasping her pudgy hands as if in prayer, “and the legend says that the rider of the chariot must find and keep her balance if she hopes to reach the Temple of Light.” She closed her eyes and her voice resumed the sing-song pattern as though she was reciting something long memorized, “Inner balance is the key to everything; without it she will be separated from the chariot and lose her way in Candelaria.”

“Candalaria?” I echoed stupidly, still grappling with the idea of losing my balance and tumbling from a chariot, which now sounded dangerous and even life threatening.

Mrs. Sun opened her eyes and smiled at me. “Yes. Candalaria is the only route to the Temple.”

Strength went over to the window, pulled back the curtains and looked out.

“It stopped raining.” She announced. And when no one responded, she asked Mrs. Sun, “How did you know about the legend? We never knew one existed.”

Before she could answer, Mr. Sun stomped back into the room carrying the basketful of dry logs, which he carefully set down in front of the fireplace. He had been gone so long that I had forgotten about him and the fire, and now wished he had stayed away entirely; his presence was sure to put a damper on our conversation, which was far from over.

“Thanks for bringing the wood.” I told him. “But I will wait and light the fire later.” I stood up about to leave. Our conversation would have to be continued later. “Mrs. Sun, would you mind serving lunch in the solarium? It’s the brightest room in the house and Strength might enjoy eating in there.”

Mrs. Sun nodded and got to her feet. Glancing at the clock on the mantle she said, “Lunch will be ready at two, Kara,” and promptly left to resume her preparations in the kitchen as if the past fifteen minutes never happened. She was once again the unassuming housekeeper diligently carrying out her duties.

Candelane Mr. Sun, as if sensing that he was not to be included in any further discussions, marched out the room behind his wife without saying a word or a backward glance.

“Let’s go upstairs.” I told Strength. “I don’t want anyone disturbing us.”

A few minutes later we were comfortably seated in the solarium. It was the most recent addition to the house and my favorite place to relax and enjoy the view. A colorful collection of exotic house plants, selected by the Empress, hung from the ceiling and were scattered throughout the room, gave it a cheerful, upbeat atmosphere. I was sure that Strength, who had not seen it before, would enjoy it as much as I did.

“It is hard to believe this morning started out so bright and sunny.” Strength remarked, looking up at the gray clouds. “I hope the chariot doesn’t come today. I would much rather begin the journey another day.”

I nodded distractedly, anxious to resume our discussion. “The weather doesn’t really matter; my biggest concern is about the chariot and that place called Candelaria.”

“So do I. But we don’t know much about either, and will have to wait for Mrs. Sun to tell us more about the chariot. Mr. Sun’s timing could not have been worse.”

“I know. What do you think about the chariot she described? Why didn’t hangman tell us about its special features.”

“What, and spoil the fun!” Strength exclaimed with a laugh. “The last thing he wanted to do was make life easy for you.”

I nodded my agreement and propped my feet on the table before me.

“Don’t you think it is strange that Mrs. Sun knew the story of the high priestess and the temple? She even called it a legend and seemed more informed than we.”

“Not really. Your mother could not be the only person that knew the story.”

Strength pointed out reasonably. “And you have to admit that the High Priestess and the Temple sounds more like a legend than anything else.”

I agreed with what she was saying up to a point. “But doesn’t calling something a legend consign it to the past and make it unreal?” I asked. “I don’t want to be a legend.”

“Then don’t be.” She replied, “The point is, you are now part of an ancient tradition, one that most people have forgotten and a few remember as a story or a legend. Anyway, since when are you concerned with how others think of you?”

She was right, of course. It didn’t matter if some people thought the whole thing was a legend. I had to focus on what was before me, not on what others might say. And the chariot was my most immediate concern.

“I am having difficulty imagining a chariot that thinks for itself, never mind one that could easily topple me.” I admitted. “Mrs. Sun made it sound like a major feat just to ride the thing. How difficult can it be? I can’t believe it is as difficult as she implied.”

Candelane Strength’s shoulders lifted slightly. “I don’t know. She did say it could abandon us if you failed to maintain your inner balance. That means you are going to have to stay focused and not wander all over the place as you sometimes do.”

She warned in her school teacher voice.

“I do not wander all over the place.” I denied indignantly. “I have a curious mind, and like to look into things, that’s all.”

She raised both eyebrows at me, shook her head in resignation and looked away. I could not believe her attitude. Right there and then I promised myself to prove her wrong on this journey. I would be more focused and committed than the other women before me, and my swift passage through Candelaria would bear testament to that fact. As for the chariot, well, we would develop a strong partnership, working together as one. I told myself that Strength would later have to apologize for misjudging me.

“Miss Kara! Miss Kara! Come down here quick!” Mrs. Sun’s voice shouted excitedly down the hallway.

I jumped to my feet and rushed towards the door. “What is it? What happened?” I called out, thinking there had been an accident.

“Come quick!” He urged, and charged back down the stairs pointing towards the front door.

Strength and I followed closely on his heels. Pushing past him, I flung open the front door and stooped so suddenly in my tracks that Strength, who was directly behind me, ran into my back, knocking me forward on to the porch. I lost my balance and fell flat on my face. Before I could pick myself up, she and Mr. Sun took hold of my arms and pulled me to my feet, apologizing all the while. I shook off the hands impatiently and turned to stare at the cause of the commotion.

Standing on the front lawn, and facing the door was the largest pair of horses I had ever seen. One was black and the other white and they were harnessed to a green and gold open-top carriage balanced on two enormous golden ornate wheels. Taking three deep steadying breaths to slow my pounding heart, I slowly made my way down the steps and stopped a safe distance away from the horses. The mammoth pair towered over me rendering me small and insignificant. They stared down at me, as I looked up at them, with what looked like a hint of amusement in their unblinking golden eyes. No words were exchanged but I had the distinct impression they were sizing me up, and I had gotten off to a poor start.

“Say something to them.” Strength whispered, coming up behind me.

I rubbed my palms on my trousers legs and swallowed nervously. This was not what I had expected. How was I supposed to control these giants? I wondered with a sinking feeling. Strength was right, however, it was unseemly for the High Priestess to be overawed by her chariot. I had to say something. Pushing aside my fear, I took a tentative step forward.

Candelane “Hello. I am Kara and this is Strength. Thank you for agreeing to take us to the Temple. We will be ready to leave in a few minutes.” I said, sounding like an idiot but unable to think of anything else to say.

The horses inclined their heads and stomped their hooves, in acknowledgment of my greeting, and then stood perfectly still. I stared up at them, waiting for some other sign but none came.

“Come on, Let’s get ready.” Strength urged, tugging on my hand. “We are wasting time.”

Looking at the chariot one last time, I ran back up the step past Mr. and Mrs. Sun who were staring open mouthed, and went into the house to get my bags.

Fortunately, I had not unpacked earlier, not knowing when the chariot would arrive.

I quickly changed into the clothes the Empress had given me as a parting gift, and hurried back downstairs in no time flat. Strength, who had gone to her room, was nowhere to be seen. Mrs. Sun met me at the bottom of the stairs holding a hastily packed picnic basket.

“Here is something to eat on the way.” She said, thrusting the basket at me.

“Thank you. I don’t know when we will next get a chance to eat.” I told her gracefully. Then, afraid my time was slipping way, I asked her urgently, “Is there anything else about the chariot that I should know before I leave?”

She shook her head slowly and lightly touched my shoulder. “No. I told you everything I know. But don’t worry. I am sure you will handle it fine.”

Thanking her again, I stepped on to the porch and saw Strength was already waiting with two traveling bags at her feet. Like myself, she had also changed her clothes and now was wearing a long blue tunic over matching slacks.

Mr. Sun, who seemed to be sleep walking, took our bags and went down the steps toward the chariot, which had shifted its position. The horses were now facing the dirt road leading up the monitions, allowing easy access to the back of the chariot.

I crossed the lawn in four long strides and walked up the metal steps hanging on its back. Strength came up behind me, placing the picnic basket she had taken from Mrs. Sun next to my bags. We took the remaining bags from Mr. Sun, stowing them in two open compartments in the side of the chariot and turned to say good bye.

At that moment the chariot shifted and the horses stepped forward. I hurriedly sat in one of the two seats facing the front and Strength leapt into the other. Then without waiting for my signal, the steps disappeared under the chariot and the opening in the back was sealed shut, blocking out view of the Suns and the farm.

“Goodbye, Kara. Don’t forget inner balance is the key.” Mrs. Sun called out to me, in a voice sounding surprisingly small and far away.

Candelane “Thanks for everything.� I shouted, hoping she would hear me over the sound of the chariot making its way up the hill. And just like that we were on our way.