Soul Control Read Online Free PDF Page A

which went both ways at the top. On my left, old dark wood pocket doors opened to a room full of kids. On my right, the same kind of doors opened to another room, also full of kids, but was also filled with floor to ceiling bookcases. A hallway lay off to the side of the stairs that led to the back of the house. It was in perfect order—not one box, carton or piece of newspaper anywhere.
    My attention was drawn to the bookshelf room, and in hopes of finding my friends, I snaked through the people, working my way to the back. Not one friend was to be found and instead of fighting the crowd again, I used the door in the back of that room. It, in turn, stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t the hallway as I had anticipated; it was another room, not quite as big as the other one, but much more beautiful—to me, anyway.
    The earthy scent of leather coated my senses. Shelves upon shelves were filled with leather-bound books of all colors and shapes.
    “Wow!” slipped from my mouth as I walked closer to a glass cabinet that displayed some old scroll-like papers written in a different language. Then my gaze moved on to the other bookshelves that lined each and every wall, all had to be at least sixteen feet tall, some displaying special treasures.
    With each book spine I could reach came an overwhelming desire to touch and read them. Some were written in different languages and some sounded incredibly interesting—especially one. In simple type, the spine read: The Two Thousandth Year War of the Spirit Light . Even though it was obvious the room was supposed to be off limits, I couldn’t help myself and gently pulled it from its resting place, touching the cover. I knew from research that the oil in people’s hands could deteriorate the pages in an old book, and so, being even more nosey, I pulled my sleeve over my fingers and opened it. The writing was English and each letter swirled with curlicues, like old English script. There was no dedication to an author, nor a date of publication. Only the title graced the first page. A few pages later came the first chapter: “The Discovery.”
    “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
    I jumped; the booked slipped from my fingers and landed on the floor with a light thud. “I’m sorry!” For a second I hesitated, wondering if I should make a break for it and just leave the book there—but my conscience wouldn’t let me. My hand shook as I picked it off the floor and prayed that upon inspection, there wouldn’t be any rips, tears or bends.
    Nathanael stepped further into the room, holding a drink. “That’s father’s favorite book,” he said, tipping his glass slightly my way.
    Great! “I’m sorry,” I repeated, pushing the book back into its rightful spot. I moved quickly toward the door, not looking at him when I passed.
    “Where are you going in such a hurry?” he asked.
    “I should go home...I’m sorry. Truly...I usually know better. Bye!”
    The front door couldn’t be in my sight quickly enough. Forgetting about my friends, I burst through the people on the porch and ran down the sidewalk. Stupid! Stupid! When I reached the front gate, that’s when it hit me...how stifling the house felt, almost like being cloaked in a blanket!
    It took a minute for me to catch my breath and slow my heart, the crisp afternoon air helping calm my nerves some. A few minutes later, being a little more at ease, I pulled my collar up around my neck and started walking.
    “Saydi!”
    My heart skipped a beat. Turning, I came face to face with Nathanael again.
    “If you don’t like us that much, then at least let me give you a ride and see if I can change your mind. Besides, it’s fairly cold.”
    Calm, Saydi. “I’m sorry...it’s not that I don’t...like you...” Get your tongue in order! “I have to work early tomorrow and...” I just made a fool out of myself . “Thanks for the offer, I’d rather walk.”
    “Don’t you live on the other side of town?”
    I lifted my