Soulless: The Story of Shayan (Prequel to The Soul Quest Trilogy) Read online

  The Soul Quest Trilogy, Prequel

  Soulless; The Story of Shayan

  Amy Maurer Jones

  This book is a work of fiction. The content of this book is a product of the author’s imagination. Any mention of people, places or events is used fictionally.

  Copyright © Amy Maurer Jones 2011

  http://amyjonesyaff.blogspot.com

  http://www.soulquesttrilogy.com

  Terminology

  Aengel - Half human, half Daeva being.

  Allure - The physical energy that surrounds a Spirit.

  Arcadia - The Spirit World.

  Arcadia Court House – Located in the Temple of Humanity with in Silver City. Where human affairs are attended – Newborn Human/Guardian Assignment, The Shadowless Registry, The Department of Aging, Guardianship Licensing and Evaluation, Humanity Hall.

  Arcadian Regions – Land of the Shadowless, Maze of Mirrors, Lavender Valley, Paradise Mountain, Silver City.

  Aura - an invisible breath, emanation, or radiation of light energy that surrounds a Spirit.

  Blaze – A sword like flame which originates from the light emanating from a scepter made of star dust.

  Charm – Magic.

  Daeva - An evil, supernatural being; a demon; false spirit, a Spirit to be rejected. a fallen Spirit.

  Dream Traveler - A person who can travel to the past or future through dream.

  Elders - Guardians who have existed for many centuries.

  Gift - A Spirit's calling or purpose (Guide, Seeker, Watcher, Planner).

  Gifting Ceremony – A ceremony where Guardian's Gifts are identified.

  Gnomes - Earth Spirits. Charmed troll like men that live beneath the ground. Create earthquakes, tremors, fault lines.

  Guardian Spirit - A spirit appointed to a human by the Oracle of Guardianship as a spiritual mentor and liaison to the Great Spirit; a Spirit possessing a Gift.

  Induction - The way a Guardian teaches humans important information.

  Land of the Shadowless – The northern region of Arcadia where the Shadowless reside.

  Lavender Valley – The western region of Arcadia where the Guardians reside.

  Mask - A blackness or darkness that surrounds an Aengel or a Daeva.

  Maze of Mirrors – Located at the heart of Arcadia. The structure which houses the Light.

  Omniscient - A person who is all knowing.

  Oracle - A command or revelation from the Great Spirit; a Spirit possessing Gifts and Charms.

  Paradise Mountain – The eastern region of Arcadia where the Oracles reside (including Hala).

  Salamanders - Fire Spirits. Charmed serpent like women. Create fire and explosions.

  Shadows – The remains of a human body whose soul has passed on to the Spirit World.

  Shells – The remains of a human body whose soul has been devoured by an Aengel or Daeva.

  Silver City Research and Technology – A research center with in the Temple of Humanity/Silver city where various forms of technology and scientific research take place.

  Silver City – Metropolitan Arcadia located in the southern region of Arcadia; the business loop - coffee houses, restaurants, bookstores, shopping malls, Arcadian Cellular, Arcadian Satellite, etc...

  Silver City University – A school house with in the Temple of Humanity/Silver City where Guardians receive their training for Guardianship.

  Spirit - Godlike; on the side of good.

  Spiriter - A person who can see auras and masks and feel allures.

  Sylphs - Wind Spirits. Charmed fairy like people with butterfly wings. Create tornadoes and hurricanes.

  The Arcadian Orbit – A railway system located with in the Heavens. The railway system shuttles Spirits to and from Arcadia and the Earth.

  The Arcadian Orbit Terminal – Located in the west end of Silver City, Arcadia. Where the trains of the Arcadian Orbit deposit the traveling Spirits.

  The Coliseum – Located with in the Temple of Humanity/Silver City. Where various Athletic events and competitions take place.

  The Gallery – An Art Complex with in the Temple of Humanity/Silver City. Spirits can participate in dance, theater arts, music, and visual art classes of varying types, perform and/or come to see performances here.

  The Great Spirit (Hala) – The Creator; a child in physical form as old as the universe.

  The Guardians of Souls - a militia of Spirit protectors for human souls.

  The Heavens – A portal between the Earth and Arcadia. Guardians and Oracles must fly from the Earth to the Heavens.

  The Light - The power of Arcadia. A beautiful, grand, white flame that blazes in the heart of Arcadia.

  The Shadowless - a ghost or apparition, the second life of a human soul; a human soul who has evacuated its shadow (human body). The Shadowless are protected by the Light and may not be destroyed by anyone or anything including Daevas and Aengels. Special power/ability - They may be seen by humans since they were once human themselves. They play the role of Intelligence (spies) in the Guardians of Souls. They are also sent to warn humans who are being manipulated by the Daeva's/Aengels.

  The Wishing Well - A waterfall/pond in the Temple of Humanity. Spirits meet here to pray for the souls of humanity.

  Temple of Humanity – The Arcadian Government Complex located on the east end of Silver City – Arcadia Court House, Silver City University, The Wishing Well, Silver City Research and Technology, The Gallery, The Coliseum.

  Trans – Portal – (Transportation Portal) A portal which uses the Light to transport Spirits from one location in Arcadia to another. There is a portal located in each region. It looks like a telephone booth where the telephone is with out a receiver. The Spirit inserts the appropriate currency, punches in the desired location's number and the Trans – Portal sends them there with in seconds.

  Trans – Sport Board – (Transportation Sport Board) A glass like slab powered by the Light. A hovering skate board. No cars/trucks/vehicles of any kind exist in Arcadia. Trans Sport Boards are the Spirits means of transportation with in a given region, especially Silver City.

  Undines - Water Spirits. Charmed people made of water. Create whirlpools, typhoons.

  Vanquishing Portal – A portal designed to destroy Daevas and Aengels. It works by locking on to the masks and allures of Daevas and Aengels, sucking them into a portal and transporting them underground where they will be suffocated and killed by the mother Earth.

  Vanishing Ring – A ring infused with the Light. This ring has the ability to cause the person wearing it to become invisible.

  Wandering - The process Guardians and Oracles use to enter humans dreams and influence them.

  Alone

  From childhood’s hour I have not been

  As others were—I have not seen

  As others saw—I could not bring

  My passions from a common spring—

  From the same source I have not taken

  My sorrow—I could not awaken

  My heart to joy at the same tone—

  And all I lov’d—I lov’d alone—

  Then—in my childhood—in the dawn

  Of a most stormy life—was drawn

  From ev’ry depth of good and ill

  The mystery which binds me still—

  From the torrent, or the fountain—

  From the red cliff of the mountain—

  From the sun that ’round me roll’d

  In its autumn tint of gold—

  From the lightning in the sky

  As it pass’d me flying by—

  From the thunder, a
nd the storm—

  And the cloud that took the form

  (When the rest of Heaven was blue)

  Of a demon in my view—

  ~ Edgar Allan Poe

  Chapter One

  Hala

  Year: 2015

  Place: Arcadia

  The Oracle of Humanity

  “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

  ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

  “Hello, my dear children. Please gather around and find a resting spot on this splendor of crisp and colorful fallen leaves. My name is Hala and I am the Great Spirit. Today is All Hallows Eve and I have called you here on this beautiful and festive Arcadian day to tell you a story. The story I’m about to tell is not a reflection of this lovely autumn day, it is a warning. It is a warning about the tragedy that can consume us if we fail to remember and honor the dead.”

  I paused in my speech to gaze upon the young faces that stared wide eyed and guarded in reaction to my serious words. The new class of Guardian Spirits has just completed their training. Before the weeks end they will be assigned their human charges. I feel that it is imperative that they learn the sad and tragic story of Arcadia’s former Oracle of Humanity before they begin their quest of inductions and wanderings into the minds of human newborns.

  As we stood safely in the shade of the woodlands that scattered themselves through out Paradise Mountain, home to the Oracles of Arcadia, I realized how safe and sheltered the lives of our young Guardian Spirits typically are.

  “Look around you my children. Gaze upon the easy beauty and peacefulness of your home, Lavender Valley. Take in the serenity and safety of the Land of the Shadowless. Follow the bustling yet impervious streets of our shining Silver City. Finally, behold the magic of the Light as it emanates from the Maze of Mirrors to reach every nook and cranny of our divine realm, Arcadia, the Spirit World. Your human charges do not live in such safety. They are born into a world that threatens the wholeness of their souls. It will be your job to guide, watch, seek and plan the path they travel today so that they may safely reach the Land of the Shadowless in their next life.”

  The young Guardian’s eyes scanned over the vast and awesome landscape that is their home with love and respect. I allowed them a moment of silence for self reflection and thoughtful thinking. When their inquisitive eyes returned to me with anticipation I knelt before them into a blanket of October leaves and began the story of Shayan.

  Chapter Two

  Hala

  Year: 2015

  Place: Arcadia

  Resentment

  “I tried to manipulate and control people, and I harbored resentment. I wanted to be forgiven, but I wouldn't forgive others.”

  ~ Lauryn Hill

  “Several hundred years ago there lived an Oracle by the name of Shayan. He was the Oracle of Humanity and it was his job to watch over and protect human kind from their inner darkness. Because humans possess their own will they may sometimes make poor choices in life. They become obsessed with power, greed, money, lust and any number of other mortal temptations. These excessive indulgences threaten the purity of their souls causing them to abuse, steal, cheat, deceive and even kill their mortal brethren. Time and temptation repeated takes its toll on these troubled souls and eventually they become lost all together. It was Shayan’s job as the Oracle of Humanity to intervene and prevent this from happening.”

  “Lord Hala, did Shayan try to protect them?” asked Tracy, a young Guardian Seeker.

  “No, I’m afraid not my child. Instead, Shayan became tempted himself. You see, Shayan became very jealous of mankind’s free will. I can still remember the day he came to see me with great clarity.”

  “Lord Hala, may I have a moment of your time? I have something very important I wish to discuss with you.” Shayan said respectfully.

  “Of course, Shayan. What can I do for you?” I had wondered.

  “I’m afraid that I am not happy, my Lord. It is frustrating to watch human kind stumble over what would appear to be such an easy path to follow day in and day out.” he began.

  “I’m afraid I don’t understand Shayan. Perhaps you could be a bit more specific.” I encouraged.

  “They have everything, don’t you see? They can do anything, be anything… and they waste this gift.” Shayan pleaded with me now. His eyes begged me for understanding.

  “This is why you must show them a better way, an easier path.” I started.

  “They won’t listen. I have tried time and time again. They simply do not care. How can this be?” His former frustration was morphing to anger.

  “Shayan, you must be patient and persistent. You can not give up. You must continue to try.” I persisted.

  Shayan’s head hung heavy and his eyes shifted away from my gaze. “I do not think that I can do this Hala.” He barely whispered.

  “You can and you must.” I said firmly. “It is your commandment as the Oracle of Humanity.”

  Shayan fell silent for a moment. He was contemplating his next words. I was flabbergasted when he finally delivered them.

  “Then I no longer wish to be the Oracle of Humanity… I wish to be human.” Shayan looked me in the eye.

  I did not understand his logic. “What good can this achieve? Humans can not influence one another the way Oracles or even Guardian Spirits are capable.” I explained.

  “No humans can influence one another better than Oracles and Guardian Spirits are capable. I have witnessed it, Hala. They can’t see spirits. Therefore, they do not see or hear me on any level.” Shayan ranted in resentment. “I wish to become one of them. I wish to possess the free will they take for granted. I want to be human and partake in the gift they care nothing about.”

  “Shayan!” I yelled. “I will not listen to another second of this blasphemy. You are the Oracle of Humanity, a noble commandment. You will submit to your duties and help the mortal world find their path in life and you will find personal solace in doing so.” I demanded.

  Shayan bowed his head in shame. “I am sorry, my Lord. I have grown weak. I will go to the Wishing Well and pray for the souls of human kind. I will repent my temporary lack of duty toward them in the Maze of Mirrors. I will gaze into the power of the Light in hope that it may heal and strengthen my weary soul.”

  “That’s awful, but he said he was sorry. Did the Light cleanse his soul, Lord Hala?” little Tracy beckoned again.

  “It did for a time, my dear.” I attempted to sooth her.

  I remember watching Shayan in the weeks passing our conversation. To give him his credit’s due, he had tried very hard to make amends for his weakness.

  Chapter Three

  Shayan

  Year: 1620

  Place: Arcadia

  Abandonment

  “Religion is a matter of the heart. No physical inconvenience can warrant abandonment of one's own religion.”

  ~ Mohandas Gandhi

  “What is the matter, dear?” Anastazja attempted to comfort me.

  I looked deep into the crystal blue eyes of my soul mate and felt a twinge of sadness in the recognition that she could not understand my sorrow.

  “I do not feel whole, Ana. I feel as if I am missing something very important. It is a very unsettling feeling, love.” I tried to make her understand.

  “What could be missing? You are an Oracle, Shayan. What could give one any greater sense of purpose or wholeness? I can think of nothing, my sweet.” She smiled tenderly at me.

  No, Ana would never understand. I felt a part of my soul shattering in the bitter realization of this truth.

  “Whut is it dat ye feel is missin’?” my friend Andre persisted.

  “I feel… insignificant. I can’t explain it right.” I breathed in frustration.

  “What is it that you believe can make you feel significant?” encouraged Gaea.

  Maybe Gaea could understand. She is a Guardian Spirit whereas Ana and Andre
are both Oracles just like me. Gaea wanders into the mind of her human charge every day. Surely, if anyone can understand my frustration, she can.

  “Does he listen to you, Gaea?” I pleaded with her. Gaea searched my face for clarification. My words confused her. “Your human charge, what is his name?”

  “John Carver.”

  “Does this, John Carver respond to you, Gaea? Does he follow the path you guide him toward?” I wondered.

  “It isn’t exactly like that, Shayan. You know humans have a will of their own. John is free to choose his own path. I can only hope that my wanderings and inductions serve as a positive influence.” Gaea confirmed my suspicions.

  “So, he doesn’t listen to you either.” I said with disgust.

  Gaea sighed. “John makes his fair share of mistakes, like anybody, but overall he is a good man.” Gaea vowed.

  “…but how can you say that he is good if he does not obey you?” I said with chagrin.

  How can this John Carver be anything but awful if he does not heed the influence of his spiritual mentor?

  “Obey? Is that what you think John is meant to do, obey me?” Gaea laughed. “I am not his master, Shayan. My purpose is to demonstrate to John that he has choices to make in his life. At the very least, by showing him the path of the Light, I can feel some sense of peace from knowing I have attempted to serve my purpose in his life.”

  “So, that’s all we are, just whisperers of wisdom whose superior insight may be cast aside with out as much as a second thought? What’s the point?” I ranted.

  Gaea’s passive words angered me. I could see that my sharp retort hurt her feelings but I was not about to make apologies for voicing my own.