Emergence Read Online Free PDF Page B

mother gazed on her, and wanted to run through the ribbon to embrace her. She looked so full and vibrant, with eyes that twinkled and skin that was soft and supple. And around her neck Melissa saw the ralon necklace, and knew all was right.
    “I understand,” said the younger Esoica. “How long?”
    “Six years. In this place where the First Apocalypse occurred the Second shall also, and only Imathrin shall survive. You must learn enough to make this small levitating platform, to help your daughter escape to freedom.” The older Esoica knelt down, losing strength, and Melissa came to support her. “You may pay for it with your life, but it must be done.”
    “I shall. What of Toby?”
    The older Esoica managed to stand once again. “No matter what, he must follow his own path. Resist your motherly inclinations, and let him be.”
    Melissa watched as the ribbon drew closed, and the glittering city of Imathrin faded from view. As it did, something out of the corner of Melissa’s eye caught her attention. It was only for the briefest of instants, but before she could think on it, her mother collapsed. Melissa grew fearful and anxious, as her mind raced trying to figure out what to do.
    “What is it?”
    “I . . . am spent. To cross distances in a portal is one thing, but to cross through time is quite another.” She reached up to touch Melissa’s cheek. “Yet I would do it all over again, just for you.”
    Melissa frantically scanned the room, unsure of what do to, anxious about her mother’s fate. She felt suddenly weak and unsure, and wished there was someone she could call for help. “But what am I to do?”
    “Learn,” she said, waving her hand at the thousands of books stacked behind her, “and quickly. This small platform will continue to hover for only a few more weeks without my presence -- I was able to store sussa in three containment vessels under this house. But you need to learn what is necessary if it is to survive. If you . . . if you . . .” Before she could finish, her body slumped softly back into Melissa’s arms.
    Melissa sat with her mouth open in shock. For so long she thought her mother dead, and to be reunited for only such a brief instant seemed terribly cruel to her. She pulled her mother close into her small chest and screamed as loud as she could.  
    “Mother,” she cried, “don’t leave me -- there’s too much to do!”
    Somehow, her mother returned. Melissa almost dropped her head out of shock. And while she was overjoyed, Melissa saw her mother’s aspect was slightly changed, and the woman who looked at her now was not the same as before.
    “Are you really my daughter?” she asked warily.
    “Yes!” cried Melissa desperately, “I’m here for you.”
    Her mother sagged. “Mmm . . . I have never known my daughter to be so kind. In any event, you are alone in this world, dear child -- in more ways than you can realize. I have never taught you in the ways of men,” and as she said that, Melissa blushed, “but the right man can give you great companionship. Learn what you can, become strong and wise, but you must attain a balance that none before you have been able to. You must find a way, for war with the Freilux is suicide . . .”
    Melissa watched as her mother closed her eyes for the last time, and wept on her chest as dusk turned to night.

Chapter 6
     
    After a few days of grieving, the reality of the situation forced Melissa to do as her mother suggested, and begin to learn. She walked back and forth, surveying the multitude of thick, dusty tomes before her, wondering where to begin. She now wore her mother’s sweater, and while she sobbed often as memories flooded forth during the cruel cradle of night, it gave her comfort during the day.
    “Why didn’t you tell me where to start?” she said aloud. “I can’t even read the titles of these books, much less hope to absorb what’s inside them.” Suddenly, she stopped before a thin, golden book with an