Under a Starless Sky novel Chapter 31

The staff that Candace was shaping had a clear form. The bottom portion was as straight as if it had been on a lathe. By mid staff, there was twirling form that suggested entwined fire snakes. If it hadn’t been from the emergent snake heads at the top, it would have just been spirals. She was rambling on about the crystal she saw going in the upper space, held by the bite of the two snakes, one male, one female. Shen realized he held the perfect crystal.

“May I see your staff?” Shen asked.

Candace frowned at him, but capitulated. “I have broken this many rules…”

Shen accepted the staff and brought the gift orb to bear into the spot. It took effort. He had to stand and push hard and Candace got up begging him not to break it. She took hold of the staff as if to take it away from him. The wood was still reasonably pliable. The biting snakes accepted the orb as if it had always been there. It ‘clicked’ into place. There was a brilliant flash.

Shen and Candace found themselves standing on a level plane, under a dome of stars. Candace was stunned into silence, but did not let go of the staff. Shen also maintained his grip on the staff.

“This is cool,” Shen said.

“Where are we?”

“High Conference,” Shen said. “Loxy, are you here?”

No response.

“Make yourself known!” Candace said, speaking with authority.

A female emerged from shadow, solidifying like smoke into female form. She had exaggerated Chinese features, the eyes were Disney large. The large eyes denoted child, but she was no child, and the only option left was alien, or alien hybrid. She had exaggerated hour glass figure, silk dress that was solid tight, snake skin tight. She brought her hands together, Namaste, and moved her head back and forth in an Indian way, as if peering at Candace on one side, then Shen on the other. She pushed her hands up, unfolded them revealing multiple arms and hands. A pair of hands remained steeple above her, the lower hands went akimbo, and in between hands floated. A mandala of energy formed behind her.

“What is your name?” Candace said.

“What is your name?” the entity asked.

“Identify yourself,” Shen said.

“Get over yourself,” the entity said.

“Do you have a name?” Candace asked.

“Oh, what’s in a name,” the entity said.

“Rose?” Shen asked.

“Wouldn’t that be nice, but no,” the entity said.

“Is this a game?” Candace asked.

“I love games,” the entity said.

“I need your name,” Candace said.

“Your name is my name, too,” the entity said. “Whenever we go out. The people always shout…”

“Oh, please don’t do that,” Shen interrupted. “I’ll have that stuck in my head for weeks.”

“You both are way too serious,” the entity pouted, bringing her hands back into one set of arms. The magic dissipated. “But we are three made into one.”

“I am Shen,” Shen offered.

“Liar,” the entity said.

“I am Jon,” Shen said. “Or Jon-Shen.”

“Not even close, but I accept Jon-Shen for now,” the entity said.

“I am Candace,” Candace said.

“You really believe that, don’t you,” the entity sighed. “Fine. I accept your label for now. You may call me Shahala.”

“Shahala,” Candace said. “What is my gift?”

“It’s always about the gifts with your kind,” Shahala said. “Is this not enough?”

“I want…”

“Candace,” Shen interrupted.

“What?”

“Be quiet for a moment,” Shen said.

“Says the boy who has everything,” Shahala said.

“I am blessed. Candace and I have no physical needs,” Shen agreed. “And yet, we are impoverished in spirit and seek knowledge, wisdom, and improvement in our ability to communicate with you and others in a loving way.”

Shahala bowed. “Well spoken, boy. You have been coached.”

“I am on the path,” Shen said.

“Wanderer,” Shahala said. “Meet wonderer.”

“Are you Oa?” Shen asked.

“Umph,” Shahala frowned. “They are us. You are us. We are one.”