The Island on the Edge of Forever (The Epic of Aravinda Book 2) (14 page)

Asha almost felt embarrassed. She’d completely lost track of time playing in the water, lost track of herself, even.

“Yes!” Asha called back. “I’ll be right over.” And she turned around and swam back over to the steps.

When she arrived, Lakshmi was already dressed and handed Asha her thin shirt and a small towel.

“Thanks.” Asha floated over to the edge of the pool.

“Get dressed and follow me.” Lakshmi’s voice took on a charged tone. “We may not have much time.”

“Oh, okay.”

After quickly drying off and putting her clothes back on, she reflexively felt for the resonator Mira had given her. It was still there, safe in her pocket.

Asha caught up to Lakshmi, and with a silent wave of her hand, she led Asha down a new path that followed the coast, lined on both sides with small white flowers.

They walked for some time as the pebbled path weaved around rock formations and over a short bridge spanning a rushing stream. Asha tried to examine where it led, but the forest canopy shaded the moonlight, making it difficult to see. Lakshmi urged her on, through the forest and between low stone walls that only reached up to her knees, until they came to a small wooden hut perched on a stone slab overlooking the ocean.

Abruptly, Lakshmi stopped and looked over to Asha with a spark in her eyes.

“I believe I know of where you seek, my dear. A holy place. But I must speak with you further before I can share with you the mystery of the Rift.” She paused, smiling warmly. “So, Ashakirta, will you join me inside for chaya?”

CHAPTER
22

THE STEAMING TEA

Asha searched the eyes of the woman. Before, Lakshmi seemed only nurturing and warm, but now Asha saw a new side of her, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it. Still, she felt Lakshmi truly did want to help.

“What is chaya?” Asha asked.

“An ancient drink of my people. I find it most helpful during stimulating conversation. Don’t worry; it has only positive effects. Follow me.”

She walked up the carved stone steps to the wooden hut and opened a narrow door framed in palm leaves, which made a familiar rustle as they brushed against the ground.

As she stood in the doorway, Asha could barely make out the silhouette of a table and some chairs.

“Oh, I suppose I should create some light. I almost forgot that you do not have the Sight as we do.” Lakshmi disappeared into the darkness of the far end, until a pale orange glow splashed across the room. Lakshmi waved her inside, and when Asha looked over, she noticed a small hearth at the far wall. Within a minute, Lakshmi had stoked the fire so that she could clearly see her face.

“So, how do you know Tiika?” Asha asked.

“One moment, my dear.”

Asha watched as she placed a small kettle on a hook over the fire. The woman, who still appeared regal wrapped in an orange sari, sat down at the square table and gestured for Asha to sit across from her. Asha did so, pausing only to brush some crumbs off of the chair.

“Now I am going to ask you a question, and I am only going to ask it once.” Lakshmi paused. “I don’t believe you are a liar, Asha, but you should know that if I detect even the faintest hint of a lie, your life on this island will rapidly become quite difficult. Do I make myself clear?”

There was a sternness in Lakshmi’s face that she hadn’t seen before. Still, Asha didn’t feel that she meant to be unkind. She got the feeling that Lakshmi knew from experience the importance of clarity and honesty.

Her eyes glanced at the growing fire. “Yes, I understand.”

“Good.” Lakshmi closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

“So,” Asha said, “what did you want to ask me?”

Lakshmi’s eyes shot open, and a charge reached out of them and touched Asha’s heart. “I have two concerns. I am concerned for my people, yet I am also concerned for you. When we first met, you asked me if a person from our island would ever leave for someone they cared about.” Lakshmi’s gaze softened. “You are struggling with this personally, aren’t you?”

Asha looked down at the table’s chiseled surface. “Yes,” she whispered. “How did you know?”

Lakshmi smiled, yet in a sad way. “When one learns to quiet their mind, one can perceive many nuances in another, such as the turmoil inside of your heart at this time. If you want to share, I’d like to offer an open ear and an open heart.”

Asha took a deep breath and puffed it out. “Well, let’s say, hypothetically, that I met someone from an island really far away, like, the other side of the world.”

Lakshmi stopped her. “Your metaphors are no longer necessary, Asha. I know about life on other worlds, remember?”

“That’s right; sorry! So, he’s from a world thousands of light-years from mine. And we have this
charge
between us. In my heart, I know there could be a loving future for us. But, I also feel a duty to stay where I am. What should I do, Lakshmi?”

The woman closed her eyes and meditated on the question for a few moments.

“There are various ways to gain clarity, but I am not sure you’re ready for some of them. How long have you known him, if I may ask?”

Asha pursed her lips. “I don’t see how that matters. We’ve been through some incredible adventures, and I’ve seen what he’s made of. He’s cocky sometimes, but he’s also brave and selfless and smart and—”

Lakshmi laughed. “Then why are you in such conflict? Why not
live
in his world for a while and see how you like it?”

Asha sighed. “I wish it were that easy. My home is under threat by some pretty nasty creatures, and I’ve lived there so long that I feel it’s my responsibility to keep it safe.”

“Hmm, and have you pledged to protect them? Can anyone else help?”

“Well, I haven’t pledged per se, but my father and I keep the area safe. Without us, the inhabitants of the Outpost Ring would be at the mercy of the marauders. But at the same time, I’m not sure I’m meant to stay there. I just don’t know which way to go. I don’t know how to reconcile this.”

Lakshmi nodded. “Yes. Sometimes the things we care about most come into a direct conflict.”

Asha looked up and peered into her eyes. “Has anything like this ever happened to you? What would you do?”

“Asha, it seems to me that you are not meant to be a warrior. I have never felt that from you. If your world is meant to continue, then it shall. Best to let the events flow naturally. Follow your heart. Then you will see life itself become illuminated.”

“Hmm,” Asha said.

Lakshmi’s expression hardened. “Now, to my second concern. How did you learn about the energy field below our island?”

Asha blinked. “Mira told me — my friend who is sick.”

“The visitor to the Temple? Tiika has told me about her. You both came here together, didn’t you? How does your friend know of such things?”

Asha hesitated, wondering how much information she should reveal. Still, with her knowledge of the island, Lakshmi might be her only chance of finding the Kiss of Life. “My friend came here with certain advanced instruments.”

Lakshmi glanced over to the fire, which was growing low, and turned back. “Yes, I imagine you would need them if you do not have the Sight.”

“You keep mentioning that, and I’ve been meaning to ask. What do you mean by that? What is it?”

“The Sight?” Lakshmi tilted her head. “Before I grew the fire, you could see only part of this room, correct?”

“Sure.” Asha glanced around, seeing an empty shelf to her left. In the light, she still had trouble seeing detail.

“The Sight allows me to see into the depths. We of the Island of Forever can see beyond shadow. It is a gift we have had for many millennia now.” Lakshmi’s words trailed off as she stood up and walked back over to the fire.

“Ah, wonderful,” Lakshmi said. “The chaya is ready.” She took the small kettle off of the hook and turned to Asha. “There are some cups on the shelf beside you. Choose one that you like.”

Asha looked over and noticed a half dozen clay cups farther back on the shelf. They were clean and dry, so she took one for each of them and set them on the table.

Wait. Wasn’t that shelf empty just a moment before? No, the cups must have been too far back for me to see.

“Excellent choice, my dear,” she said as she poured each of them some of the steaming tea. “Now remember to thank the Infinite Spirit for this abundance, for without it, we would have nothing. Yet we are blessed with so much.”

Lakshmi sat down across from her, held her cup, and closed her eyes. Asha did the same, and they sat there for a few moments in reflection of gratitude. All Asha could hear was the faint sound of the waves crashing in the distance.

“I sense an auspicious future for you, Asha.” Lakshmi opened her eyes once more. “Perhaps you have sensed it, as well.”

“Auspicious? Thank you; although I’m not entirely sure what you mean.”

Lakshmi gestured toward her cup. “Please, sip slowly.”

She did, and despite its heat, she found it satisfying, although more bitter than she was expecting.

“From the first moment I met you,” she continued, “I have been paying a great deal of attention toward what arises within myself when you speak and act.”

Asha put down her cup. “And?”

“All will be clear soon, Asha.” She raised a finger as she took a drink. “Tiika has chosen not to develop her intuitive abilities, which is regretful as it makes her shortsighted. Indeed, she would not approve of the decision I am about to make. But we need to trust our intuition on these complex choices, don’t we?”

Asha examined her face, which held a hint of excitement. “What do you mean by that? And what is the Rift you mentioned before?”

“The Rift!” Lakshmi said with a new energy. “At last, we reach the real question. But why should I take you there? Tiika is right, you know. Our traditions forbid it. Would you take the oath? Would you respect this island?”

“Yes!” Asha found herself shouting. “Yes,” she repeated softly. “I love this island, and if you could help me reach the source of this island’s power, we could use it to save my friend. More importantly, we could fulfill our mission which concerns the safety of your entire world.”

Lakshmi studied her face for a long moment which seemed to stretch on and on, and Asha grew uneasy.

“You are being completely honest with me, aren’t you?” she finally said.

“Yes.”

“I do not fully understand why, but I feel a great peace in helping you. I will take you on the path to the watery rift, but only under one condition.”

“What?” Asha whispered.

“You must tell me your mission.”

A wave of tension swept through Asha’s body, but she let it pass. Under the circumstances, Mira would surely understand.

“All right. But will you tell anyone else?”

“That depends,” she said as she stood up.

“On what?”

Lakshmi pushed her chair in and walked to the door. “On what you have to say.”

Asha stood up and walked after her. “That doesn’t seem fair.”

But Lakshmi abruptly stopped walking and turned around.

Asha ran right into her. “Sorry!”

Lakshmi wore a stern expression. “Your friend is dying, yes?”

“Yes.”

“So do you accept my offer?”

“I guess I don’t have much choice, do I?”

Lakshmi turned around and followed a path that led around the hut. “You always have the choice, Asha. Although some choices are easier to make than others. Choosing to present you with the path to the Rift was not something I arrived at lightly. However, when I listen to my intuition, I feel that your greatest contribution to this island lies ahead of you. Everything up to this point has been preparing you for it. That is all I know.”

“Thank you, but what makes you feel that?” Asha raced to catch up as Lakshmi followed the path up a steep incline.

Lakshmi stopped for a moment. “You must never tell Tiika about any of this. Do you understand?”

“Yes, of course,” Asha said.

She saw Lakshmi bend over and pick up a pack on the side of the path made of animal skins. She reached in and pulled something small out.

“Take this,” Lakshmi said, handing an object wrapped in brown paper to her.

“What is this?”

“Food, and I’ve brought water.”

Asha unwrapped part of it and noticed it was sea-green bread that reminded her of the bonfire from her first night, somehow completely fresh as if it had just come out of the oven.

Carefully, she tucked it into one of her jacket pockets. “Thank you. But wait, I haven’t told you my mission yet.”

“Asha, some may think I am crazy for it, but I happen to trust you. Truthfully, we are running out of night. If this is as urgent as you make it sound, then you will tell me what I need to know on the way. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

CHAPTER
23

TOWARD THE MOUNTAIN

By now, a gibbous moon hung heavy over them, its nearly-full disc filtering through the thick canopy of azure leaves. A soft breeze flowed through the shadowy trees, too, giving Asha the impression that the forest itself was breathing.

Ahead, Lakshmi moved through the forest as if on a path she’d followed dozens of times before.

“Could you slow down, please?” Asha struggled to keep up with her as she followed the twisting path through a narrow point between two trees. “Don’t you want to know my mission?”

“Yes, of course,” she called back. “But we have a long way to go. Even at this pace, the journey toward mauka will take until after daybreak.”

The path became straight, and Asha ran to catch up to her. “After daybreak? We’re heading inland, aren’t we?”

“Indeed. We are heading toward the mountain, to the Rift.”

Lakshmi kept well ahead of Asha, but after a while the path became steeper, and she slowed her pace.

“What’s mauka?” Asha asked.

“It means mountain, my dear. And since this is a steep pass, you may now tell me about your mission, as per our agreement.”

“Right.” Asha reflected on this. “Well, I’m not sure where to start, but all across the galaxy a cosmic war is being waged. Every time you look into the sky, one of those points of light could go out, even as you stargaze.”

Lakshmi breathed deeply. “How, my child?”

“We call them the Undying Vandals, at least, that’s the polite name for them. Anyway, they want this artifact that can raise the dead. Based on what her instruments are telling her, my friend Mira thinks that it’s deep under the island.”

“Raise the dead? Is that possible?”

“Well,” Asha paused, “based on what I’ve learned, yes, but I’m not sure the person would ever be the same after that. I guess it depends on what you believe about the nature of the soul, not just if it exists, but if it can be brought back to the body or not.”

“And what do
you
believe, Asha?”

Asha bit her lip.

“Well,” she said, “I can only go by my own experience, and considering that I
have
left my body before, in a previous mission, actually, I’d say that some type of energy body definitely exists. As a healer, energy is what I work with, and I suppose it could be possible to bring someone back. But even if it’s not, the last thing we need is our adversary in possession of a Chintamani stone. We’ve already seen how powerful they can be.”

“It sounds like you value knowledge at the
experiential
level.” Lakshmi nodded. “And testing beliefs based on your experience is the most truthful way to live. Too many people on this island build their beliefs on assumptions and stories that they were told, but how often do they
test
these stories to see if the principles within them are true? Or even question if they are helpful stories in the first place?”

Asha chuckled. “Yeah. I remember before we went to live on the outpost. I used to think that travelling merchant ships were all run by scumbags, but that wasn’t true at all. It was just a story someone told me when I was young. It was my belief, but it turned out to be inaccurate.”

“I am glad you have dedicated yourself to healing others. I knew there was a reason my intuition told me to help you. If I had a daughter like you, I wouldn’t have to worry as much.”

“Thanks,” Asha said. “That’s very kind of you to say, but it’s not easy. It feels untenable sometimes, like I’m pushing a stone uphill. But my teachers gave me exercises I’m working with.”

“A stone uphill? No, no, Asha.” Lakshmi turned around and stopped to let her catch up. “I have met many healers on this island, and they all agree on one point:
they
are not the source of the healing. A friend said it best. She said she was only becoming a
witness
to the Infinite energy that was already present, in her hands and in the person she was healing. To heal, she simply became a communication tool for the Presence of the Infinite. You are not
doing
the healing, Asha. The Infinite is. Your job is to let that Presence flow
through
you.”

“Hmm,” Asha said, approaching her. “The Infinite? Yes, it isn’t coming from
me
at all, is it? I’ll keep that in mind next time. Thank you, Lakshmi.”

“You are quite welcome.” Lakshmi’s face grew full of concern. “So, my child, what happens if you don’t get this artifact before these vandals do?”

Asha swallowed. “Most likely, pretty terrible things. They want to revive their most cunning warriors. Strategists and killers. It makes me sick just thinking about it, imagining what could happen.”

Lakshmi continued onward, through the thinning forest. “Then, my dear, let’s make sure that it does not. Remember, war can only occur when we believe we are separate from others. To have peace, that illusion must melt away.” Lakshmi stopped walking. “Here we are.”

They had arrived at a patch of large, white boulders littered across a rocky incline.

Asha noticed that the path continued to the right.

“So we’re heading off the path now?”

“Not quite. We are on a path that is hidden to everyday eyes.”

Together, they scrambled up the side of the rocky incline. From the top, she could see a small field of boulders ahead, but in the midst of the field there was a path of stepping stones.

“Follow my footsteps exactly,” Lakshmi said.

As she led, she sometimes placed her foot on a mossy corner of a stone and sometimes on the center of a clean white step. Asha followed in her footsteps, noticing that the deep crevices between the stones were filled with water and small sapphire sprouts poked through.

The bouldered field went on and on, but eventually Asha could discern the edge of the field where a pillar of pale rock stretched into the sky. Lakshmi pointed to it and smiled as she scurried over the stones, the sari she was wearing blowing through the air like an orange blur, and soon they were right in front of it.

The pillar marked the end of the field and the beginning of a new path which curved behind it and beyond. Asha gazed upward and guessed that the pillar was at least three meters tall.

“Did this form here naturally?” she asked.

“What do
you
think?” Lakshmi said.

Asha examined its smooth surface. It fit in perfectly with the environment, possibly carved by the wind itself. Still, Asha felt there was more to it than that.

“No,” Asha finally said. “It was brought here, wasn’t it?”

Lakshmi nodded. “Yes. This pillar is a marker. Your intuition is one of your gifts, Asha, and soon I will teach you a way to increase its power even more.”

Before Asha could respond, she disappeared behind the pillar.

“Do you always move so quickly?” She ran to catch up to her.

“Only when time runs short. We will reach our first stop soon. From there, we will follow the path through the narrow straights and beyond the boundary forest.”

The terrain became steep once more, and Asha noticed that, as they walked, Lakshmi hummed to herself. The tune filled her with feelings of nostalgia and longing in ways that she didn’t understand, and after a while she found herself humming along.

“You know,” Asha said as they trudged over the steep path, “you didn’t answer me before. About Tiika, I mean. You two seem rather close, but in a strange way. How do you know her?”

“It’s not important.” She shot a glance over to Asha. “And yet.” Lakshmi sighed. “I suppose you ought to know.”

“Know what?”

“Asha, Lalantika is my daughter.”

Asha’s mouth hung open for a second. “You mean Tiika? She’s your daughter? Wow. Well that explains—”

“Adopted daughter. She’s had a complex past. I’ve done everything I can, but I’m worried that she may have truly lost her way now.”

Asha was just about to ask what Lakshmi meant, when the view ahead consumed her attention. The path widened to an observation point; and when she reached the edge, she saw the Island of Forever spread out before her for the first time.

From this vantage point, Asha realized they were looking back toward where they’d started. They were above the lowest clouds that dotted the sky, and far below, the moon was bright enough to highlight the towering azure and indigo trees that bloomed out of the landscape like domes. Asha followed their round shapes downslope to the dark ocean beyond. Woven within the thick forest, she thought she could also discern the outline of structures in the far distance, near the coast.

“Sit down, my dear,” Lakshmi said, pointing to a short, flat stone nearby.

Asha found it difficult to look away.

“The view will not change,” Lakshmi said. “We have stopped here so that I may show you a technique that you will find profoundly helpful in your quest to heal others.”

“Of course,” she said and sat down, finally pulling herself away from the view.

Lakshmi sat down on a similar rock beside her, folded her legs, and closed her eyes.

“From the moment I met you, I have sensed a turmoil within you, Asha.”

Asha blinked. “What do you mean? Isn’t it obvious? My friend is in grave danger.”

“Beyond that. My dear, beyond that is a churning storm of feeling. Unless you make a conscious effort, this storm of feeling will never be settled, causing you misery until the end of your days. Would you like to know how to settle this storm?”

For a few moments, she reflected on this. “And how would I do that?”

“First, close your eyes. And breathe. Do you feel the sensation of breath on your nostrils?”

With her eyes closed, Asha breathed softly and focused on the feeling of air as it moved in and out of her nose. “Yes, I can feel it.”

“Good. Place all of your attention on the feeling of the breath as it touches your nose. It may only be in one nostril, but that’s perfectly all right, as long as you put your complete attention on that feeling.”

Asha noticed that, now that she was focusing on it, the mountain air made her nose feel slightly cold.

“What if my nose feels cold?” she asked.

“That’s bound to happen up here. What is important is that you remain focused on the sensations on your nostrils. They may feel cold or hot, moist or dry, but whatever sensation you feel, you must calmly observe it,
without reacting
. Do you understand?”

“I think so.”

“Now, I will stop speaking soon. When I do, your mind will wander. Everyone’s does. When it does, calmly bring it back into the present. Bring your attention back to the feeling of the air on your nostrils.”

Asha hummed to herself. “You mean the Eternal Now, like what they said in the Temple?”

“Exactly, and now we will meditate in silence for a short time. While we do this, it’s important that you continually bring your focus back to your breath, Ashakirta. Observe the constantly changing nature of your reality. By doing this, you will grow your awareness and wellbeing. For just as a water droplet is part of a wave, you are something that the entire universe is doing.”

Asha was silent as this thought echoed through her mind.

“We begin now,” she said.

As Asha breathed, she put great attention on the feeling of her breath as it touched her nose. She could feel it brush against the tiny hairs inside her nostrils, too.

This is the same meditation as in the Temple. But how can something so simple be the first step in purifying the mind? Ah, I’m getting caught up in thoughts again. Must focus.

Her breath became more regular. She could almost feel her heart rate slow down, and she took another deep breath. The image of Mira popped into her head, and a feeling of regret washed over her.

Why couldn’t I heal her? What is the next step? I wish I could have learned more from the Amithya Council. I understand so much more now. I’m ready for the next step! Maybe Lakshmi is right. Maybe I’m not the one doing the healing, at all, and I only need to let it flow through me.

Asha redirected her attention, wondering why she was having such difficulty in keeping her mind focused solely on her breath. In the distance, she heard a familiar bird call.

An old memory resurfaced from deep within her unconscious mind, like a bubble of air escaping from an ancient treasure chest. For an instant, she felt like a child again and had a vision of the ruddy mountain range and the shimmering city that bordered it. She remembered asking her father if she could be a healer someday.

“You can be whatever you desire, Ashakirta,” he had said, “as long as you find the right teacher. None of us start out with great skill. It is the intention that matters.”

Maybe Lakshmi is the teacher I’ve been waiting for.

Asha let this thought go and brought her attention back to her breath. Curiously enough, her nose was no longer cold, and she held her attention on her breath for an impressive three minutes. Impressive to her, at least.

What a minute! I never introduced myself as Ashakirta, only as Asha. How did Lakshmi know my full name? Did I introduce myself that way to her? And if not, how could she know? I’ll have to remember to ask her later.

Asha brought her focus back to her breath for a few moments, until another flashback filled her mind: the third night after she and Zahn had arrived back on Avani. She had nearly lost him forever, and when she emerged from the forest, finding Zahn and his father walking along the silvery beach, a feeling of relief swept over her that was greater than any she had felt in a long time. That evening, he asked her if she wanted to hike up Zikhara Peak, one of the most sacred places on the island, and she didn’t hesitate in saying yes. After all, Zahn had described it so majestically in the days before, raving about the view above the sapphire forests and the specks of light from other islands along the horizon.

He had been right. The view was magnificent, and as they sat there on the bare rock of the peak, she remembered Zahn smiling and leaning in close. They dove into the oceans beyond their eyes and swam inside each other’s gaze for a while, until she had pulled back.