Into Oblivion (Book 4) by Shawn E. Crapo Page B

it was.
    In her mind, she saw two worlds traveling along the same path. One was Earth, she knew, but not the Earth that was familiar to her. Only the presence of the Great Mother told her that it was Earth.
    Then, out of the darkness, another world strayed too close. The two worlds collided, smashing each other to pieces. The presence of another spirit was there, and it too cried out in pain as did the Great Mother. The other spirit was embraced within the Great Mother’s arms, hidden away in safety.
    When the chaos had settled down, the bulk of the two bodies settled down into a restful state. The remaining debris wandered near the combined spirits, coalescing into a body of its own.
    The Moon.
    Suddenly, Aeli understood.
    “The banshee was a druid,” she said. “She knew that another Mother spirit was here, and tried to seek it out.”
    “Yes, mama,” Jodocus said. “But she couldn’t find it, and it made her sad. She died here, and can’t go home.”
    “What happened on this other world, this other Earth?”
    “The Lifegiver destroyed it,” Jodocus said. “Only the wandering man survived.”
    “How do you know all of this?” Aeli asked.
    Jodocus smiled, looking into her eyes. “The spirits of the forest speak to me, mama.”
     
    Faeraon stood near his throne, his sword drawn and held out before him. Farouk was in the center of the large chamber, his staff pointed upward in an attempt to seek out the banshee’s direction. For some reason, he felt, she was fading in and out of existence. It was as if she was not able to stay in this realm, but was drawn to another.
    “Her presence here is a struggle for her,” Farouk stated.
    Faeraon nodded. “I feel it as well,” he said. “Her focus is torn between our worlds.”
    “Is this typical?”
    “No,” Faeraon said. “She usually comes full force. She attempts to steal me away.”
    Farouk turned to him, seeing the sadness in his eyes. “Why would she do that?” he asked.
    Faeraon stepped away from his throne and off of the dais, moving to stand beside Farouk. “I would assume she believes that by bringing me to her realm, she can save me… or destroy me.”
    “We must seek her out,” Farouk said. “Her nature may answer many questions. She is more than she seems.”
    Faeraon nodded. “Though I fear this will be our end, I feel that I am no longer bound to this place. I will trust what you say, Farouk. We will seek her out and confront her.”
    Farouk thought briefly of the young Jodocus. “I think I know what it is that is drawing her away,” he said. “If my guess is correct, we may be able to put her to rest once and for all.”
    Faeraon lowered his head in sadness. “She must be destroyed then…” he said, trailing off.
    Farouk placed his hand on Faeraon’s shoulder in sympathy. “Yes, my friend. But only her malevolent form. Once that is destroyed, who knows what will happen. If you are still alive, then she must be as well; in some form or another.”
    “Then let us proceed.”
     
    The forest was misty as Aeli and Jodocus crept through the darkness. Their only light was the glow of the mist caused by the starlight above. Aeli knew it would be dangerous, but Jodocus was determined to go out. His reasons were unknown, but Aeli had faith that his soul—that of the elder Jodocus—knew what he was doing.
    Jodocus held her hand as they walked, giggling at the twinkling fireflies that flashed around them. Aeli felt the presence of the banshee to the west, closer to the shore, but could feel that its direction of travel was constantly changing. Why it was hesitant was anyone’s guess. Still, she wondered how Farouk was faring across the dimensions, and if his journey had anything to do with the banshee’s appearance.
    “The wandering man is ahead,” Jodocus said. “He’s with Farouk, mama.”
    “I feel him, too,” she replied. “He is still crossed over.”
    “He will be back soon.”
    Aeli swallowed hard, noticing how the