Ashlyn Chronicles 1: 2287 A.D. (28 page)

“In retreat, Enlil came here to Earth. This is where Earth’s last war was fought and Enlil was defeated. The battle scorched this world, destroying it.

“From that moment on, the Council decreed that Enlil and his followers forever be called the Nephilim, the fallen ones.

“So as not to violate their own laws, they ordered that Enlil and his forces be banished, abandoning them to live forever on this dying world.

“By order of the Council, this planet had its name changed from Earth to Hadaesia, what your people now call Hades. The name makes it unlawful for the Anunnaki from Heaven to set foot here. It is meant to be a reminder of the consequence for rebellion.”

Watching history unfold was as close to a spiritual experience as Steven and Ashlyn had ever known. It was humbling. Humanity had never known how much the Anunnaki had sacrificed on their behalf.

“Before Enki’s fleet departed, he ordered the gathering of what little beauty remained on this world and had it delivered to your planet, Tiamat.”

“The Ark?” questioned Steven.

“Yes, Lord Steven. Enki’s ship, the Arkane, gathered what little life remained here, saving it from extinction. In homage to Enki and the beauty of the creatures the Arkane brought, your people changed the name of Tiamat to what it is now known as, Earth.

“Over time, the truth became a myth. The story of those who had come from Heaven, the Anunnaki home world, to save humankind, was forgotten. The names and deeds of the Anunnaki great ones were claimed by men of your world—men who sought greatness for themselves.

“This, Lord Steven, was the reason for your confusion.”

“You were right, Keeper. We have much to learn. What happened to Enki?”

“Enki worked with your people, teaching, imparting knowledge, and building great structures. He had hoped that his display of love, kindness, and wondrous works, would someday lead you to seek out the creators and receive the rewards they held out for you.

“Eventually, Enki departed, returning to Heaven to rule at his father’s side. He wanted your people to have free will and grow naturally without further interference.

“It is hoped that someday you will rejoin them on Heaven.”

Steven was speechless. The Keeper’s visual of Enki, a gentle looking man in a white robe was shocking. Crowds of gathered people reached out to touch him.

We’d always been told that we’d killed him,
thought Ashlyn to Steven silently.

I know,
Steven thought.
It’s like The Keeper said—once Enki left Earth, men spun and twisted his return to Heaven into a hundred versions. It’s easier to instill obedience from the weak if you tell them their god is dead. Our manipulation of the truth—it sickens me, Ash. It does. Mankind’s greed for wealth, power, and control, it was so egotistical, so self-absorbed.

I’m not sure that mankind is worth all the lives the Anunnaki lost,
responded
Ashlyn.

We aren’t, but without laws and principles, civilization falls into chaos,
replied
Steven.
Ultimately, the Anunnaki had no choice. Enlil had violated everything they stood for.

The visual presentation disappeared and the tree returned.

“Enki’s love for your people is great, and he made a promise to your ancestors that he would not forsake them.”

“Keeper, how is it that the fallen
ones, bound forever to this world, acquired another fleet of ships with which to attack my world?”

“Lord Enlil has not been idle. It has been thousands of years since the last battle was fought. In that time, he has worked hard to rebuild his kingdom and his fleet of ships. Entire cities—cities built long ago by the Anunnaki—have been stripped of their materials and technology for the construction and repairs of his fleet.

“Enlil will not take the loss of his ships lightly. He will seek vengeance against you. The three ships you destroyed upon your arrival into this system were the last of his great fleet, and he is once again without a vessel that is capable of escaping this system.”

“Keeper, you speak of Enlil as if he is millions of years old—and I too have heard rumors on my world from knowledgeable men who make claim that Enlil is immortal. If this is true, how is it possible?” asked Steven.

“Yes, Lord Enlil still lives, and his hatred for your people has never been greater.”

“But how? It’s been millions of years.”

“How is it not? He is Anunnaki. He has the Gift!”

Get ready
! thought Ash to Steven.
Here it comes
.

“As do the two of you!”

“Us?” asked Steven, not comprehending the full import of his meaning.

“Yes! You have received the Gift!”

“I don’t understand?” replied Steven.

“The water,” said Ashlyn.

“Yes. The Water of Life calls to those who are Anunnaki. It is Enki’s gift to you. Your bodies will no longer grow old and frail. You are immortal, like your creators.

“Enlil kept the Water of Life from you, limiting your lifespan. Enki has returned it.”

“We will live forever?”

“Yes, my children. It has always been your destiny.”

Hello,
Pinocchio
, said Ashlyn teasingly into Steven’s mind.
You’re
a
real
boy
now
!

Steven stuck his tongue out at Ashlyn, making her laugh.

Promise?
she sent back.

Steven suddenly felt very small. There was so much that humanity didn’t know. The revelations were astounding. They had been given the answers to humanity’s origins, answers that humankind had been seeking since the dawn of civilization.

However, it also made him realize just how primitive humanity still was. “Keeper, you have served your creators, the Anunnaki, well. You have brought honor to them and I am proud to know you. I am grateful for what Enki has done and to all the Anunnaki who sacrificed their lives in order to save my people. Perhaps someday we will find a way to thank them and you.”

Ashlyn added, “And I too wish to say thank you for the Gifts, and for enlightening us. You are wise, and I look forward to learning from you.”

“And you now have eternity in which to do so, my children.”

Steven looked over at Ashlyn, trepidation on his face. “Keeper, the various cultures on my world speak of an
evil
entity. Has Enlil also been known as, Satan?” Steven’s heart sped in anticipation of the answer.

“Yes, he is the one known as Satan and by a myriad of other names with similar meanings, but the name given him at the time of his birth by his father Anu, was Enlil.”

Steven swallowed. “Keeper, the writing on the Guardians’ pedestals also spoke of our coming to have knowledge, of knowing good from bad. To what does that refer?”

“My little ones, since my creation I have waited for this to be asked of me. It speaks well of your readiness to take the test Enki has prepared for you.”

“Test?” asked Ashlyn.

“I can only give you a warning. You must exercise caution before accepting the test. Should you be found not worthy, the Gift that you have already received will be removed from you. You will be escorted out of the Garden, never to return.”

“If we choose to accept, can you help us in this test?” asked Ashlyn.

“I am sorry, my children, but before I can answer, I must have your decision.”

Steven and Ashlyn looked at each other, nodding in unison.

“We accept! We wish to take the test!” said Steven.

“Does Lord Steven speak for you as well, Lady Ashlyn?”

“He does.”

“The test has been accepted! My children, only this may I give to you.

“Walk the Garden, and when the words hidden in your hearts have been revealed, may the light of truth
guide you!

“I wish you well, my children.”
The tree dimmed.

“Ashlyn?” “Steven?” they said simultaneously.

“It looks like we need to talk.” Concern framed Steven’s face.

Ashlyn nodded, giving a sigh.

Steven rose from the ground. “Come on, let’s go for a walk.”

Walking in silence, each of them turned inwardly as they came to grips with the words they both knew they must speak.

They came to a stop on top of a soft, flowery knoll, beneath a large, lush tree with pink and yellow tipped leaves at the far end of the valley. The beauty of the tree opened the door of conversation. Steven drew in a deep breath. “Ash, I have something to tell you.”

After the last attack, Novacek decided to send the crew down the river. The sheer size of the enemy’s forces that gathered just outside of targeting range made it apparent that staying meant certain death.

With the crew prepping for the journey, an excited sentry came into the cavern. Huffing and puffing, he reported that a lone man had been spotted walking toward the mountain from out of the alien encampment.

Novacek gave the order to hide all the bundled rafts in the cavern, taking them across the river into the alcove where they had found the map. He thought it wise to take precautions should the stranger come back with him.

He then began a descent down the mountain to meet him.

Nearing one another, they each took measure of the other. Novacek saw the set of the stranger’s eyes deepen as he noted Novacek’s limp and that the flap on his holstered sidearm was unsnapped.

As for the stranger himself, he was of striking appearance. He stood tall in stature, with long, flowing, white hair, and striking silver-blue eyes that blended perfectly with his ankle-length white robe and sandals. He appeared to be in his early twenties, his hands soft and groomed, his skin light and unweathered. He looked angelic.

Novacek suddenly felt wary and simultaneously vulnerable. Something just didn’t feel right. Nevertheless, he did take comfort in knowing that at five paces he could blast a hole through the stranger’s heart before he could think to blink.

Novacek’s eyes narrowed as they came to a stop. The stranger stooped and picked up a handful of dirt. As he let it sift back to the ground he said, “You could almost believe this was home.”

“You speak English!” stated Novacek, surprised.

“Not much. Not anymore, but it was my native tongue as a boy.”

“As a boy? On Earth?”

The stranger smirked, seemingly amused. “Yes. I was taken. From their point of view, though, my life now has meaning, purpose. In honor of my position within their ranks, I have been sent to ask for your surrender. You have my word that no harm will come to your people.”

Novacek couldn’t help but belt out a loud, spontaneous laugh that made the stranger take a half step back. “They can’t really think that I’d believe that?”

“You have good cause to distrust us, but I beg that you believe the words of my Anunnaki master. Even now, they are on the verge of a civil war for having attacked Earth. The price has been too heavy. Many who had once supported the attack now regret their decision and are seeking an end to the war.”

“So, you now want to throw us a party? We’re going to become the best of friends,” said Novacek. “All right—let’s say they do regret their earlier decision. They should—because with just one of our ships, we wiped their alien ass of a fleet, both at Earth and here. So let me tell you what’s going to happen.” Novacek stepped up to him, putting his face right up to the stranger’s. “Your Anunnaki masters are going to surrender to us—unconditionally. If they do not, when our other ships arrive in a few weeks, I will order them to destroy your masters. Is that clear enough for you? Convey that message to them!” said Novacek, with all the bravado the words called for. “After what they did to my world, they deserve to die. They should accept my offer and pray that I don’t change my mind.”

Novacek noticed the stranger’s jaw tense as he clenched his teeth. “Our surrender? My masters offer you freedom to live—and you want them to surrender?”

“Do I need to repeat myself? Or have you just been kissing their Anunnaki asses for so long that you’ve forgotten what it means to be human?”

Novacek looked down and kicked at the sand. “If you want my trust, tell me. How many other people, human people, are on this world?”

“Many, but they do not keep records of such things. I am sorry.”

Novacek had taken an instant dislike to the man, and yet, the stranger’s voice denoted conviction and belief in the words he spoke.

“Perhaps, in exchange for your help when our ships arrive in a few weeks, you’d like to travel back to Earth with us. That—or you can hold their hand while we destroy them.”

“I have often dreamt of home.” The stranger’s words were slow, deliberate. He seemed to be reminiscing. “It seems so long ago.”

“Let’s try a simpler question. How many Anunnaki are on this world? Do you know that?”

“I do. It is one. He is of the Elite, royal bloodline—a prince. He is the highest and purest form of Anunnaki.”

“One? Then who is attacking us? Are they not all Anunnaki?”

“They are not Anunnaki; they are creations of my master. They are workers. They are impure, an abomination—though they serve a functional purpose. Your people call them Grays. You know so little about my master and this world. Perhaps this is why you should not be so quick to judge our intentions.”

“And perhaps your heart is not so much human as it is Anunnaki. You seem to think of yourself as different from the rest of us. Why?” asked Novacek.

The stranger squinted. “Is it so hard to understand that we desire to fit in, to be accepted by those who are superior to us?”

Novacek’s brow furrowed with anger. “Superior? Your so called masters are barbaric, and if you ever say that again—I’ll cut you down where you stand!”

The stranger’s eyes almost seemed to turn red, as he struggled for restraint. He gave a slight bow. “Perhaps, you are right. Perhaps, we have forgotten,” said the stranger, seeking to smooth the tension created. “I offer myself as security. As long as I am here, no attack will come. Is it possible that I could meet your people? I would be happy to answer questions. Perhaps it will lower the tension between us?”

Novacek considered the offer long and hard and then consented. As they walked back towards the encampment, the stranger spoke, “I have been told that your people fight valiantly. Many have come to honor you.”

“As they should,” said Novacek, keeping up the strong facade. Novacek’s gut told him that the stranger could be broken, that the real motivation could be discovered.

“I do not remember humans being so arrogant! Have things changed so much on Tiamat?”

“Tiamat?”

“Excuse me, that is what the Anunnaki call your planet.”

Novacek noticed a nervousness growing within the stranger as they neared the scorched area where the forest had been. “Are you afraid of a few spiders?”

“Not afraid. Cautious. The bite of the Uttu children kills.”

“Uttu? The spiders?” asked Novacek.

“Yes, if my caution offends you, I beg your forgiveness. Please, my friend, let us go to your people. Let me see with my own eyes those of my home world. Tomorrow, I will do as you say. I will deliver your message to my master.”

Inside the cave, the stranger marveled at the number of people coming to greet him. “I did not realize there were so many of you. I was told that you were few in number.”

“Perhaps your Anunnaki master is not as knowledgeable as he believes himself to be?” goaded Novacek.

The biggest surprise came when the stranger spotted the river. “There is so much water!” Without waiting, he waded out into the river up to his knees. “It has been long since I have seen water such as this.” The crew chuckled as the stranger, fully clothed, sat down in the river. His child-like exuberance painted smiles on their faces. “I had forgotten how cool it can feel.” Lifting a handful of water to his mouth to drink, he instantly spat it out. “I cannot drink this, it is bad! It has no taste!”

Novacek watched him with intense eyes.

“I had not thought it would taste so bad.” As the stranger started to rise, he suddenly shrieked, his terror evident. “Something touched my leg!” He jumped from the river. “Something is in there!”

The crew laughed hysterically. Only Novacek seemed to think it was strange.

“It’s just a fish!” came the quick reply of several onlookers.

“Yes, just a fish. How foolish of me,” he said, continuing to stare fearfully at the water.

“Come, sit by the fire,” Novacek urged.

“Sit by the fire, yes.” He took a seat. “I should mention that I have word of other members of your crew. My master had hoped it would build trust between us.”

Novacek cocked his head in anticipation.

“We found one person, dead—two days ago. By the look of your clothes, he was from your party. Now that I see this place, I assume he must have gone down the river from here. He was found at a place where the water exits from the ground in the desert—just before the sand again swallows it. We found little of importance. I was told that his body was badly torn, like the scraps that they found.” Reaching into a hidden pocket in his robe, he pulled out two small items, handing them to Novacek. The first, a set of dog tags. The second, Ashlyn’s locket. “Do these help you?”

Novacek took the items and looked at the locket first—then the tags. “Jefferson. Yes, it does.” He looked down at Phillip who sat beside him. The tears in the boy’s eyes broke his heart.

A whispering echo could be heard drifting around the room as the news spread. The stranger noticed Phillip’s tears and the whispers of the crew. “Are there others that we should be looking for? Others which may have survived?”

“No, he was alone. These belonged to Jefferson, one of our crew.” Novacek said the words loud enough so that the crew took notice, so that it would silence them. “He took a boat and ran when you surrounded the mountain. He was a coward.”

Novacek wasn’t about to reveal the truth.

The crew spent the next hour asking questions of the stranger. To Novacek, while the stranger’s words were eloquent and full of hope, he just couldn’t bring himself to believe them. With apprehension, he headed outside to check on the watches, taking Phillip with him.

“It’s pretty peaceful out there, sir. No movement,” said the sentry as Novacek and Phillip stepped up beside him.

“Gordon, do you think my dad and Ashlyn are dead?” asked Phillip, his voice shaky.

“No, they’re both fine. I am sure of it. I have a small
gift
, and sometimes I can see things before they happen. I promise you, right now, they are fine. Do not tell our guest though, okay? I don’t trust him.”

Novacek got the tightest hug he had ever had. The moment flooded his mind with memories, back to when his wife had been pregnant, and back to her death. The doctors had later informed him that she had been carrying his son.

Phillip’s hug melted his heart and made him miss the dream he had once held.