Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read: Rhuna Series Tour and Giveaway

Rhuna – Keeper of Wisdom

A Quest For Ancient Wisdom Book 1

by Barbara Underwood

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

In the ancient, mystical past when an idyllic Atlantis-like civilization flourished, its people with exceptional powers could build giant stone structures like the Pyramids, and transform elements such as sand to stone and metal to gold with concentrated energy of the mind.

This utopian Atlan Empire is rocked when one of its most preeminent Masters rebels and seeks to subvert the ideals of Atlan society. Roaming the countryside in a black robe, misusing his powers on innocent people, he becomes known as the dreaded Dark Master.

On a distant and isolated island on the fringes of the Atlan Empire, a young girl named Rhuna comes of age when she meets a man from Atlán and learns that her father was an Atlan Master who was killed in his attempt to destroy the Dark Master.

Journeying across oceans and ancient worlds, Rhuna learns to master her inherent mental powers, transforming elements and summoning visions by means of the Gazing of the Waters. Unlike her peers, however, Rhuna discovers she has an extra power, namely the ability to summon visions mentally, without incantations or powders.

When the Dark Master’s activities become a threat to the peaceful Atlan Empire, the Atlan Masters come to realize that they cannot defeat him without Rhuna’s special visionary powers to observe the Dark Master’s activity and whereabouts.

The first book in this extraordinary Urban Fantasy series lays the foundations of the Atlan Empire and Rhuna’s world, and even when the Dark Master appears to have been defeated, secret and sinister powers continue to threaten the ancient Utopia.

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Rhuna- Crossroads

A Quest For Ancient Wisdom Book 2

This exciting second book in the Rhuna YA Urban Fantasy Series can also be read as a standalone novel.

Some years have passed since Rhuna helped to defeat the Dark Master in her new home of Atlán, and now Rhuna has a teenage daughter who accompanies her on an assignment in Ancient Egypt to investigate some disturbing reports.

She soon discovers an astonishing underground network of the Dark Master's followers, along with the secret group of Atlans dedicated to stopping them. In the process of trying to carry out her assignment, Rhuna is confronted with enormous challenges that could drastically change her entire life and everything she has ever believed in!

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Part One

(Atlán)

Rhuna stood at the large open window and gazed across the sparkling blue lake, its deep colour and constant presence giving her a familiar sense of security. But this time it felt different, and her thoughts jumped to a distant time and place where she had also once stood gazing across the water. She remembered the small island home of her childhood and the day she stood on a hill looking across the vast endless ocean and felt a change in the air. It was the day her childhood on that isolated speck of land ended, and the day she met Tozar who had brought her to Atlán to show her the many wonders of the world beyond that great blue horizon. It was the day she learned that her father was an Atlan with great and special powers, and that her future promised similar grand things.

Her eyes dropped to the rooftops below her window and she remembered her first impressions of the famous city of Altán, the grandest city in the world. Growing up barefooted, in a simple wooden hut with her dark-skinned mother, she could never have imaged the majestic grandeur of Atlán with its colossal buildings as tall as the largest hill on her island home, nor its wide avenues and expansive plazas bustling with colourfully-dressed people. The city’s massive stone structures covered in dazzling metals and golden embellishments had always struck her with deep awe, but this time Rhuna no longer felt the same excitement and wonder.

She turned away from the window with an unfamiliar heaviness in her chest, and looked at the giant wall tapestry she had designed with colours in accordance with the Healing Arts to balance mental and emotional energies. Of all the many aspects of the Healing Arts she had studied in her twenty solar cycles in Atlán, Solar Light Healing and its associated colour therapies had remained her favourite. She had seen the dramatic changes in emotionally distressed people after intense exposure to one or more colours obtained from the white solar light spectrum, followed by regular viewing of certain colours in dyed textiles to maintain balance. Her own tapestry design combining soothing, energizing and stabilizing colours in soft and hard-edged forms attracted the highest praise and admiration from other Healers and Atlan Masters. This accomplishment and the daily routine of relieving sufferers of their distress and ailments had always given her the greatest satisfaction.

Now, as she slowly lowered herself onto the seating cushion near the window, she realized that this joy of healing had also ebbed away lately. An aching emptiness followed this realization, and she sat motionless for a while as she stared blankly ahead.

“Rhuna!” The vibrant call from the opening door jolted her out of her numbed state. “I’ve spoken to the Master of the Creative Arts and she has agreed to teach me – I start tomorrow!” said Lozira excitedly.

Rhuna looked around and saw her daughter stride confidently towards her, and once again she noted how Lozira had grown into the image of Tozar, with only a slight hint of darker hair and skin colouring like her own. She had the same tall and slender build as her father, and clear blue eyes that sparkled as she began describing her new school curriculum.

“…even writing is included with drawing and painting,” she said enthusiastically, “as well as drama plays and even sculpture!” Lozira paused to let Rhuna stand up and respond to her exciting news.

“We’ve already talked about this,” began Rhuna despondently. “I thought we agreed that you would continue studying the traditional Atlan skills first. You’ve inherited your father’s and my abilities to transform elements and use the Gazing of the Waters, and it would be such a … such a waste not to use these special abilities! And besides, the Creative Arts are completely useless!”

Lozira’s face lost its shine and she pressed her lips firmly together as Rhuna continued.

“We have no need of writing or drawing in Atlán; our oral teaching tradition is far superior to written records, and drama plays are simply for pleasure and entertainment, not for serious study! What would be the purpose of a drawing or painting? We have all the colour we need in our textiles and precious stones,” she argued, lifting her hand towards her large wall tapestry.

“What is the purpose of transforming elements then?” protested Lozira with bitterness. “There’s no need for me to transform sand into stone or change metals – there are enough people doing those things, and only a few Atlans doing the Creative Arts!”

Rhuna shook her head and tried to place herself in her daughter’s position. “When I was your age and first came into contact with Atlan ways, I wanted to learn everything, and you can still learn the Creative Arts later…”

“You came from a primitive island,” interrupted Lozira, “and didn’t even know you were Atlan! That’s why you wanted to do all those things that your mother and her people couldn’t do. You had to prove yourself because you’re not even pure Atlan! But I am, and I don’t have to prove anything to anyone!”

Rhuna was stung by her daughter’s words. The angry young woman in front of her suddenly seemed like a stranger. She shook her head quickly.

“It doesn’t make sense, Lozira!” Rhuna shouted. “We have to use the special talents we were given!” she added sharply, trying to control her sudden rage.

Lozira raised her head in a defiant stance. “That’s what they told you, because of your father and what you had to do when you first came to Atlán to stop the Dark Master, but that’s old history and things are different for me!”

Then Lozira turned and strode briskly out of the room.

Rhuna felt numb. Slowly she lowered herself to the seating cushions again where she took the position for Inside Focussing. She longed to quickly block out all the pain and noise she had suddenly experienced, and to find the dark inner peace that always revived and strengthened her. She breathed in deeply several times and closed her eyes gently, then waited for the usual meditative state to follow. A moment passed and Rhuna quickly opened her eyes. The usual peace had not come over her and instead, a painful uneasiness stirred inside her again.

She stood up quickly to leave her home and walk along the smooth stone streets of Atlán towards the building of the High Council. Watching her feet on the polished stone pavement, Rhuna saw the shining reflections of gleaming metals which adorned many important buildings in the inner sanctum of the city of Atlán. She approached the High Council and the familiar sight gave her a welcome feeling of comfort. The large, solid stone blocks of its construction were perfectly smooth and equal, and its many wide steps gave it an even greater air of importance. The inner pillars and walls were inlaid with yellow gold and orrichalcum, the rare red gold and symbol of Atlán. She realized that she had never ceased to marvel at this splendid workmanship in the many solar cycles she had lived in Altán and entered the High Council building almost daily.

Inside the opulent building, important discussions concerning the welfare of Atlán and its people were taking place as usual, and Rhuna entered silently to stand at the rim of the outer circle of observers. Voices from the central circular court ascended to the ceiling high above, and everyone seated on cushions round about, and on slightly higher tiers towards the outer rows could hear even a whisper. The twelve High Council members, including Tozar as the most senior one, sat in an arc around the innermost circle directly opposite the speaker who stood in the centre of the imposing hall. The speaker immediately caught Rhuna’s attention because he spoke with a foreign accent not unlike hers.

“I’ve just arrived from Safu, where I spent nearly nine lunar cycles observing people, customs and the ways of things,” the dark-haired man said as he introduced himself with a slight bow towards the High Council members. Rhuna wondered whether the unusual-looking man was a native of the faraway land of Safu. Her eyes were drawn to his brown skin and colourful garments because they were so different from the fair-skinned Atlans and their white robes to which she had become accustomed. She noted the man’s strongly curved nose and dark curly hair, then his exquisitely embroidered and bejewelled cloak which hung freely over almost his entire body.

“The High and Low Councils of Atlán welcome you, Wanderer of Plains,” said Tozar with a friendly gesture of his hands. “May the Council members and observers hear a discourse on Safu before you proceed with your report,” he continued as his hand motioned towards the Low Council members.

Immediately a young man stood up from his seating cushion in the row partially encircling the speaker’s round court. He stepped into the circle as Wanderer of Plains briskly stepped aside. Rhuna also moved quickly to find a seat in the outer rows of the audience, her attention now fully focussed on the fascinating subject.

“Safu is the most prominent and highly acclaimed colony of the Atlan Empire,” the young Atlan began with loud enthusiasm, addressing the entire assembly in the High Council hall. As he spoke his well-rehearsed introduction, Rhuna realized that she had never heard a discourse or a scout report about Safu in the many solar cycles she had attended and participated in High Council discussions. She wondered why the most prominent Atlan colony was so seldom mentioned in Atlán.

“Our illustrious forefathers first navigated through the narrow channel into the Great Sea, and chose the land where the Great River meets the Great Sea to establish the first colony of the Atlan Empire. The abundant flow of water through flat terrain in a dry climate provided the most suitable conditions for the construction of the Golden Pyramids, the pinnacle of Atlan achievements,” said the Low Council member as he raised his arms triumphantly. “Water and sand were the only two elements our Atlan forefathers required to erect the Empire’s most prestigious and awe-inspiring Atlan building feat! The three large pyramids and three small pyramids, each covered in different metals and alloys, constitute the most powerful energy harnessing and storage station of the Empire. The rainless climate of Safu guarantees continuous solar energy and the cloudless night skies provide ample lunar energies. Each metal and alloy attracts a different energy, and the carefully-constructed shape and dimensions of the pyramids contain and amplify these energies,” explained the young man with genuine enthusiasm.

Rhuna remembered the small stone pyramids she had used for her personal use, strengthening her own Atlan powers by harnessing solar or lunar energies at certain times of solar or lunar phases. With a sudden pang of regret she realized that she had not made use of a pyramid since her early time in Atlán when she learned all the traditional Atlan skills. Suddenly the painful conversation with Lozira entered her mind again, and Rhuna quickly forced her attention back to the discourse.

“Since then, a journey to Safu has become the most valued personal goal for most Atlan Masters, many of whom desire to further their knowledge, understanding and skills in the many Atlan traditions. Today, the land of Safu is a prestigious destination for all peoples of the Empire and beyond, for it is a land rich in many fine and rare produce, and its location on the Great River and the Great Sea assures regular, frequent trade. As such, the land of Safu comprises Atlans, the native inhabitants and a great variety of visitors from trade-partner lands. Safu is a centre of trade, culture and learning for the surrounding lands, and it has become an endless reservoir of knowledge and artefacts from the entire known world.”

The young Low Council member made a quick bow with his head to indicate the end of his discourse, then quickly stepped back to his seat to allow Wanderer of Plains to re-enter the speaker’s circle. Rhuna felt invigorated by the exciting discourse and now eagerly anticipated the Atlan scout’s report of this great land.

“During my stay in Safu I mingled with various people, both Atlans and Safu natives,” began the foreign-looking man with an accent, “and found subtle and somewhat disturbing…irregularities.” Rhuna’s back straightened as her alertness intensified.

“For instance, there are no consistent ethical rules by which the people live, and the populace of Safu has many strange sayings and beliefs about their animals, foodstuffs and even some of their Atlan Council members.” The dark man coughed awkwardly. “And these Atlan members of the High and Low Council have unusual habits,” he continued. “Both Low and High Council members meet and even socialize together, with little difference in responsibilities and duties between the two groups.”

“This is not uncommon,” interrupted Tozar in his usual steady and calming voice. “We do not request councils of Atlan colonies to strictly adhere to the Atlan ways in every respect. They may – and should – adapt to the native people they are governing. This often entails allowing a measure of freedom within certain limits to allow native peoples to retain their customs and beliefs. Therefore, these minor details you have described to us so far, Wanderer of Plains, are of no great concern to the Council of Atlán.”

Wanderer of Plains lowered his head a moment and then lifted it again with renewed vigour. “There are instances of Atlans partaking of intoxicating beverages,” he said firmly.

Rhuna heard gasps and noises in the audience around her.

“Intoxicating beverages?” snapped Tamer of Fire with a fierce look. Rhuna looked at the red-haired man seated next to Tozar and thought of his fiery disposition, particularly in regard to observing Atlan principles.

“Do you infer that no action was taken?” asked Tamer of Fire sharply.

“That’s right,” said Wanderer of Plains weakly, and then took a breath before his next statement.

“These council members of Safu enter one of the pyramids by way of a secret door…and when they come out again, they have a certain aura about them,” he said and paused, lowering his head slightly.

“Describe this aura,” snapped Tamer of Fire. His sharp gaze had suddenly intensified, and he began to stroke his red beard nervously.

“It seems to me…” the foreign man began to falter, making Rhuna attentive to every word. “…I have the impression that they take … highly intoxicating substances,” said the man as his eyes quickly sank to the floor.

Rhuna heard more deep gasps and muttering around her, and she released her own muted groan.

“The council members of Safu partake of intoxicating substances within the pyramid – is this an accurate appraisal of your observation, Wanderer of Plains?” bellowed Tamer of Fire so loudly that Wanderer of Plains appeared to weaken in the knees momentarily. He quickly regained his composure and firmly answered yes.

“This is of most serious concern, Wanderer of Plains!” said Tamer of Fire as he slapped his hand on his leg. “Surely you are aware that we of Atlán abstain from intoxication in any form due to the serious consequences to health and the wellbeing of the entire population!”

Rhuna looked at Tozar who had begun to frown deeply. The High Council members had become agitated and some of them leaned towards each other to quickly share their thoughts.

“An intoxicated Atlan Council member is an exceptionally serious issue,” added Tozar with a grave nod.

Wanderer of Plains nodded solemnly and reluctantly continued.

“Many of the native inhabitants of Safu are afraid of them.”

“Afraid of the Atlan Council members in Safu? For what reason?” asked Tamer of Fire alarmed.

Wanderer of Plains shook his head and shrugged apologetically. “I wasn’t able to find out reasons…I can only be sure that the general population has suspicion, mistrust and even some fear of them,” he said slowly.

“This is another matter requiring our urgent attention!” exclaimed Tamer of Fire as his fingers twitched absent-mindedly around his beard. “Such distrust of a governing body always leads to rebellion or anarchy. It has occurred several times in various small Atlan colonies even in my own lifetime,” he said gloomily. Rhuna observed Tozar and several other High Council members nod in agreement.

“Should this be an accurate assessment of your observations, Wanderer of Plains, the High Council’s investigation is urgently required!” said Tamer of Fire with a tremor in his voice. His face had become bright red, and he tugged his beard forcefully.

Wanderer of Plains stood silently with his head lowered, and Rhuna felt her heartbeat quicken as she looked from him to the High Council and back again.

“This matter shall be discussed and further insight sought by the High Council members,” said Tozar tersely as he looked around at his fellow High Council members, and then made the usual announcement that the High Council discussions were ended. The people in the grand hall began to stand up and walk around; some mingled to talk excitedly with others, others went outside. Rhuna walked briskly towards the far end of the hall and stood at a door where she waited for the High Council members.

“Ah, Keeper of Wisdom!” exclaimed Guardian of Harmony as she approached Rhuna. “In this very moment we had decided to beckon you for services to the High Council, as is customary in matters requiring your exceptional summoning abilities,” she began with a gentle smile. “…or did your special insight perhaps already guide you here in this moment?” she quickly added with a sudden look of awe and astonishment in her ageing face.

“No, no…” said Rhuna quickly shaking her head and suddenly feeling embarrassed in front of the older woman whom she had always respected as a wiser, mother-like authority. “I only came by to talk to Harbinger of Solace about a personal matter,” Rhuna said weakly, aware of the unimportance of her personal matter in comparison to the weighty matters discussed at the High Council.

Tozar smiled as he approached them, then walked beside Rhuna through the doorway which led to the private discussion rooms reserved for the members of both High and Low Councils. Rhuna told him that the private matter could wait until they were at home.

“Please accompany us to the room of the Gazing of the Waters,” said Resolver of Disputes, another mature Atlan Master for whom Rhuna had a special fondness due to his tendency to always give lengthy and unnecessary explanations. “Although it is seldom used for such purposes due to the random images received when summoning information by the Gazing of the Waters, it becomes necessary to verify matters when eyewitness reports are inconclusive. In matters of serious transgressions leading to dire consequences, for which we, the High Council of Atlán, are responsible, our diligent search of accurate information and consequent action are required.”

“Perhaps your skill will be required in summoning visions of the pyramid’s inner chambers used by the council members of Safu,” added Tamer of Fire tersely. Rhuna nodded compliantly.

They entered the room of the Gazing of the Waters and Rhuna was once again overwhelmed by its dark stillness and the gentle flickering of the long, tapered candles, one on each side of the large and deep water basin at the far end of the room. A sudden quietness gave even more reverence to the eerie room, and Rhuna wondered whether the High Council members felt the same awe and excitement as she did every time she entered.

“I shall summon the incident described by Wanderer of Plains,” whispered Guardian of Harmony almost inaudibly. She took a few steps forward to the edge of the basin while Rhuna and the others stood respectfully behind her. Rhuna watched the woman carefully remove a vial of powder from a pouch inside her robe, sprinkle the pinkish powder over the water, then speak the words of incantation loudly and clearly. The words reverberated inside the dim room, and Rhuna thought she could feel the universal energies begin to concentrate and swirl around them.

In accord, Rhuna and the council members silently stepped forward and around Guardian of Harmony in order to observe the pink-purple swirls in the deep water and watch them form an opaque white cloud over the surface. Rhuna held her breath. As soon as the opaque cloud had formed, the surface of the water began to reveal an image.

Rhuna could barely discern anything in the image due to the darkness, and then she heard a muffled sound and saw a flickering light.

“The interior of the pyramid,” whispered someone on Rhuna’s left. They listened attentively but Rhuna could only distinguish shuffling footsteps and loud breathing. Then the image faded and revealed a new one with much more light and colour. Rhuna immediately recognized the scene described by Wanderer of Plains. Four Atlan men wearing white Masters Robes emerged from a dark doorway into the bright yellow light, their faces glowing with an uncanny radiance and self-contentment.

“The aura,” whispered another High Council member standing behind Rhuna, and the room returned to silence as a third image formed.

Rhuna watched with bated breath as the image revealed a group of brown-skinned people huddled together, muttering anxiously as they watched the four white Safu Council members emerge from the dark doorway. Then the people suddenly dispersed in all directions, like a flock of birds frightened by a sound. Rhuna was startled.

“The summoning of the Gazing of the Waters has verified the accounts of Wanderer of Plains,” said Resolver of Disputes in a normal tone when the water had returned to normal. “Our deliberations shall remain inconclusive due to the lack of sufficient information surrounding each incidence. Therefore, Keeper of Wisdom,” he said turning to Rhuna, “may you attempt summoning the Gazing of the Waters with your special skills, that we may gain greater insight into this matter.” He stepped back to allow Rhuna to step towards the front of the basin. She closed her eyes to focus her energies for this special task.

After many solar cycles of regular practice, it required only a slow, deep breath and a moment of intense concentration to access the special mental faculty almost every Atlan possessed. When she felt the familiar flow of energy rise within her, she spoke the words of incantation and focussed her thoughts on the mysterious activity inside the pyramid. The usual humming and vibration which flooded through her body quickly passed and then she opened her eyes to see the coloured swirls turn into white opaqueness. She felt the others pressing closer behind her to see the unfolding dark image in the water.

Rhuna saw a flicker of light and then heard the echoing of footsteps and breathing, exactly as the image summoned by Guardian of Harmony. But then she was suddenly struck by a dreadful memory she had tried to forget for many solar cycles. She remembered the last image she had seen of the Dark Master when he had been entombed in a small pyramid, and the Gazing of the Waters had also shown a similar dark image with a flickering light and eerie sounds. In that horrible moment, as the memory felt real and in the present, Rhuna was struck by a poignant and unfamiliar smell. She jerked her head back and startled the others who had stood motionlessly around her at the basin. As she was about to speak and explain her reaction, a new image appeared. Once again, it was the same image that Guardian of Harmony had summoned of the four Atlans in Masters Robes emerging from a secret door with a radiant glow in their faces. The last image showed local people huddling anxiously together, and Rhuna noticed their dirty, worn clothes and bare feet.

When the images had finished, Rhuna quickly expressed her disappointment in the lack of further insight and explained that she had merely been startled by the unusual scent of candle wax used in the Gazing of the Waters room. They left the room silently and entered a discussion room nearby.

“What manner of custom is this? Entering the pyramid in complete darkness!” said one High Council member outraged.

“Darkness hides unprincipled behaviour!” said another.

“To partake of intoxicating substances in a dark, hidden chamber of a pyramid!” exclaimed Tamer of Fire with outrage.

“There is no clear evidence of intoxicating substances, nor any reason for such…” added another, as they took their places on seating cushions. After everyone had voiced their opinions, Tozar raised a hand to motion silence.

“There is cause for concern when people respond to Atlan Masters with fear,” he began sternly, “and our further investigation imperative, of this there is no doubt,” he said as others nodded or voiced an agreement.

“In many cases such fear arises when Atlan Masters misuse their skills, often for selfish purposes involving the mistreatment and abuse of lesser-skilled ones,” said Resolver of Disputes.

“Control motivated by lust for power over another living being is an abomination to Atlan society,” spat Tamer of Fire resolutely. “Should this desire for power be enhanced by intoxicating substances, the greater the abomination!” Rhuna watched the man’s face redden with passionate outrage.

“Let us not forget, Esteemed Colleagues, that premature reaction, suspicion and prejudgement are also undesirable traits,” said Tozar. “I therefore recommend a process of detailed discussions with Wanderer of Plains, and further summoning of information by the Gazing of the Waters, under the supervision of Guardian of Harmony.” The woman bowed her head gracefully, and when no one else commented, Tozar motioned for them to disband for the day.

Once outside the High Council building, Tozar reached for Rhuna’s hand and they walked silently along the shiny streets of Atlán. The sun’s dazzling reflection on gold, metals and hard, polished stone always stimulated Rhuna’s senses. As they left the city’s centre of important buildings, wide stairways and open courtyards of bustling trade, public orations and personal meetings, Tozar led her aside along a quiet, narrow road. Rhuna immediately knew why. The narrow walkway between two large merchant buildings led to a beautiful tree-lined promenade along the lake which had always been their favourite place to stop and sit, talk and ponder.

“You are uneasy,” Tozar stated calmly when they reached the peaceful grassy area along the water. Rhuna looked across the water of the large lake and felt the same longing she had once felt as a child looking at the distant blue horizon from her island home.

“I had a horrible argument with Lozira before coming to the High Council,” she blurted, and let the painful memory she had been suppressing flood back through her. She began to tell Tozar every word that transpired between them as Tozar listened silently.

“I should have realized,” he said when Rhuna had finished. “You are in desperate need of spiritual refreshment,” he stated.

Rhuna was puzzled.

“I’ll soon feel better when I prescribe myself the right healing colours and have a long Inner Focussing session, but Lozira…”

“Lozira is not the problem,” interrupted Tozar, then laughed gently. “Have you not felt a lack of joy and enthusiasm lately? A dullness of the senses and imbalance of perceptions?”

Rhuna realized he had described the way she had felt lately and nodded.

“But I’m the Healer – I should have noticed even sooner!” she said despairingly.

Tozar laughed. “It is common knowledge that Healers have a tendency to neglect themselves, simply due to their constant attention to the needs of others. It becomes my duty, therefore, to observe the mental and emotional condition of the Healer, and this I should have done, as you also have perceived my imbalance due to many lengthy Council sessions or lack of recreation. Come,” he said taking her arm, “let us first retire to our home, then plan a recreational outing and any other refreshment your mind requires.”

Later that evening, after talking about various places she would like to visit for recreation, Rhuna told Tozar that she wanted to attend further meetings of the High Council when Safu would be discussed. She told him how the subject had aroused her interest greatly, and that she had kept thinking about it all afternoon.

“And I keep remembering the visions of the Gazing of the Waters,” she added. “It reminded me so much of the Dark Master, and it was such a strong and sudden memory.”

Tozar looked at her intently for a moment. “It was only a strong memory… not an involuntary vision?” he asked cautiously.

Rhuna was shocked. “An involuntary vision? Like I used to have?” she said with a slight tremble in her voice as she remembered those dreadful times many solar cycles ago. “I haven’t had those kinds of visions since the Dark Master died in the pyramid. It only happened while he lived and was taunting us,” she said.

“Although that one is gone, you are still able to receive visions beyond the summoning ability of most Atlan Masters, are you not?” asked Tozar.

Rhuna became unnerved.

“Something startled you in the process of receiving images in the Gazing of the Waters room,” Tozar continued.

Rhuna described the sudden strange smell, and that she felt foolish afterwards because it was only the candles alongside the basin.

“I think not,” said Tozar sternly. “No scented candles are ever used in the room of the Gazing of the Waters,” he added bluntly, then looked at her intently.

“Then…what does it mean?” asked Rhuna shakily.

“Part of your vision,” answered Tozar quickly. “You have experienced these special visions with other senses and with your emotions, have you not? Are they not very real to you, as if part of your own psyche?”

Rhuna nodded sombrely as she remembered the strong emotions she always felt when she received such special visions merely by her own concentration on a certain person or matter, rather than by use of powder, incantation and a body of water to which most other Atlans are limited.

“But… but the sudden strong memory of the Dark Master’s last message from inside the pyramid… how could this be a vision, too?” asked Rhuna as the feeling of dread ran through her once more. “I haven’t thought of the Dark Master and his last message in many solar cycles…”

“This is the reason one might assume the existence of an underlying cause for the sudden resurfacing of a long-forgotten memory,” explained Tozar, and after a moment of silence, he suggested they go to bed and not worry about these matters any further.

The following morning Rhuna awoke early and prepared to attend the High Council with Tozar. Lozira also made an early start for her new lessons, and Rhuna noticed that her daughter wore her new best dress and that she had carefully arranged her long fair hair with coloured ribbons.

“I hope you’ll like your first day studying the Creative Arts,” said Rhuna cautiously and with effort.

Lozira spun around sharply and glared at Rhuna.

“No, you don’t! You hope I won’t like it and will give it up!” she snapped, and with a few powerful strides she left their rooms before Rhuna was able to respond.

Rhuna felt a painful tension between them as a result of the previous day’s conflict, and she struggled to accept her daughter’s decision and to respect her freedom of choice. Then she reminded herself that her own inner imbalance was the main problem, and that interesting distractions would help heal her.

When Rhuna arrived at the High Council building, Guardian of Harmony and Wanderer of Plains were already waiting to greet her and Tozar. Rhuna said she was happy to meet the dark man in exotic garments because she had also lived in other lands far from Atlán. They continued to chat until they were seated inside a discussion room. The morning light streamed through the large windows of colour-tinted glass, giving the atmosphere a pleasant and healing ambience.

Tozar took on his usual official tone and manner of speech as he began asking Wanderer of Plains for details of his observations in Safu. He recounted several other similar incidences of Safu’s Atlan Council members behaving in an unusual manner, that there exists a certain secret doorway to the pyramid, and that a considerable rift had developed between them and the general population. Tozar asked him to describe their unusual manner further.

“It’s like they don’t care about the people, about their Atlan responsibilities,” he answered. “Some people who have been at the pyramid when they come out of the secret door say that there’s a certain strong scent about them as well.”

“A strong scent?” asked Tozar sternly, and then looked sharply at Rhuna.

Wanderer of Plains looked at both of them and then shrugged. “I don’t know what it is. Something not known to the general population, I suppose.”

“It is the intoxicating substance!” exclaimed Guardian of Harmony with alarm.

“Quite possible,” said Tozar.

“But I’ve never even heard of such a strong-scented herb or substance in all the solar cycles I’ve been a Healer,” protested Rhuna. “I’ve worked in the largest and best apothecaries to study all kinds of herbs and other substances; the healing ones, the poisonous and the intoxicating ones, and hardly any of them smell so strongly.”

“Safu is a distant land,” began Tozar thoughtfully, “where plants unknown to us may be found. Perhaps, also, it is a method of distillation or preparation not known in Atlán.”

There was silence in the room as each one thought for a moment. Tamer of Fire entered the room, followed by several other High Council members who were all intrigued by the latest revelations about an unusual smell, and who agreed with Tozar that there could be substances in other lands not known in Atlán. Rhuna felt disturbed because she had firmly believed that Atlán possessed all the cumulative knowledge of the world on all subjects. She sat quietly as she listened and struggled with her uneasiness.

Later in the day, Guardian of Harmony returned to the group in the discussion room to announce that she had summoned various visions by the Gazing of the Waters.

“There is indeed evidence of Atlans and native peoples expressing disappointment and discontent with the Atlan Council,” she reported. “They concern minor matters such as general disputes, relationship conflicts and a few cases of continual intoxication from fermented beverages. My summonses have not revealed anything irregular about the Council members, their use of a secret door to access the pyramid, nor the people’s distrust of them beyond the aforementioned matters.”

“In such cases,” began Resolver of Disputes, “it is prudent to send an experienced Atlan representative to fully investigate each matter in dispute, as well as to assess the general social, mental and emotional wellbeing of the populace, and in particular, to evaluate the conduct of the governing council members. It is regrettable that mature, experienced and responsible Atlan individuals become negligent of their responsibilities, perhaps resulting in harm to those whose wellbeing they should guard. This occurs most frequently in the farthest reaches of the Atlan Empire, suggesting that physical distance from Atlán promotes a rebellious tendency in some individuals.”

“Yes, it happened in my childhood home, in Chinza,” said Rhuna quickly. “The situation became so dangerous that we had to escape at night.” She looked at Tozar as she remembered the most frightening night of her life. “The Zoa, my mother’s people, began to hate the Atlan Masters on our island because they misused their skills and neglected the Zoa. Then the Zoa men came after me because I had been talking to Tozar and the Atlan Masters…”

“They intended to harm us all,” interjected Tozar. “It was most fortunate that our Atlan ship arrived speedily to provide our escape.”

“An excellent example as well as a fascinating account,” said Tamer of Fire. “It was most prudent that Harbinger of Solace was sent to your island home, Keeper of Wisdom. In such a distant and isolated colony certain Atlan individuals severely swayed from the proper course, causing hatred and even violence among the native peoples. How fortunate that your escape was successful, and that we have you in our midst to this day, Keeper of Wisdom,” he said bowing his head to Rhuna. When he lifted it, his eyes were suddenly aflame.

“Would not Keeper of Wisdom, therefore, be a most suitable Atlan emissary to ascertain the condition of Safu?” Tamer of Fire said enthusiastically. “Not only does she have the advantage of a mixed heritage and experience in distant Atlan colonies, she has demonstrated superior adaptation to the ways of various native peoples. I propose Keeper of Wisdom be our emissary!” he said smiling. There were several nods and sounds of approval from the other members.

Rhuna was startled and speechless. She looked at Tozar whose face remained expressionless.

“It is worthy of consideration,” he said evenly, startling Rhuna even more. “Perhaps this is the best time to adjourn discussions for the day in order for Keeper of Wisdom to give serious consideration to your proposal, Tamer of Fire.”

Still speechless and with many thoughts racing through her head, Rhuna stopped and grabbed Tozar’s arm as soon as they had left the High Council building.

“But I can’t leave Atlán!” she began. “I’m a Healer and people need me, and you’re the most senior member of the High Council…”

“I would remain in Atlán,” interrupted Tozar and squeezed her hand. “There are many competent Healers in Atlán, and you are in need of refreshing change,” he said in his usual even tone.

Rhuna was taken aback. She searched his bright blue eyes for deeper insight into his motives and feelings.

“You mean you’d simply let me go on such a long voyage, perhaps one solar cycle in all until I come back?”

“No, not so simply,” he said sombrely. “My wish is for you to always remain at my side, as it has always been for us since you came to Atlán. Yet your inner peace and contentment are of greater concern to me and if a voyage - a mission of this nature - restores these things within you, then I encourage you to go.”

Instinctively, Rhuna knew he was right, yet all of her wanted to resist. They walked home together at a slow pace, saying very little.

Rhuna – The Star Child

A Quest For Ancient Wisdom Book 3

This thrilling sequel to Rhuna: Crossroads is set in mystical Ancient Egypt where Black Magic was developed by the followers of the legendary villain, The Dark Master. As strange and frightening curses plague the population, Rhuna discovers the underground organization that performs this uncanny new magic, but she can only combat it with the help of her long-lost father. Having learned from her father amazing new skills to empower her on the Astral Plane, Rhuna once again strives to preserve peace and harmony in the idyllic Atlan civilization.

Far more challenging than fighting powerful Dark Forces, however, is Rhuna’s personal anguish when her daughter becomes involved with the leader of the Black Magic movement, and the once-perfect Atlan society based on utopian principles begins to crumble all around her. Shocking events escalate Rhuna’s world to a breathless climax as she and her family undergo a momentous upheaval, and she is forced to make great personal sacrifices for her loved ones.

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A rustle of fabric alerted Rhuna of a presence behind her, and she turned to look at the open doorway where an attendant ushered in the prominent guest.

Rhuna watched in awe as a tall woman with intensely dark skin strode elegantly towards them, her bare arms boasting gold bracelets and other glittering jewels. She remembered Shandi’s words, black woman, and let her gaze quickly take in the impressive stature and colourful textiles.

“I greet you,” she said, startling Rhuna with her deep and resonating voice. “I am Uxbana of Zambalu, The Queen of the Land of Ubanti and of the Ubanti People,” she said proudly.

Rhuna stepped forward to greet her in the traditional Atlan way, and a black hand with long, slender fingers reached to firmly grasp Rhuna’s hand. The tall woman’s arm jewellery jingled briefly, and Rhuna sensed both the woman’s outer and inner strength of character.

“You? You are the one they call The Star Child?” Uxbana said with arched eyebrows. “You are so…small.”

“The people of the Land of Ubanti are among the tallest I have encountered,” stated The Reigning One in his usual monotone, and then quickly motioned for Uxbana to be seated opposite Rhuna in a richly decorated chair. Rhuna remembered what she was told about chairs at her arrival in Safu, and still found it amusing that The Reigning One’s forefathers liked to sit higher off the ground than others in order to emphasize their status and superiority over others sitting on the floor.

“Physical attributes are superficial,” Uxbana said as she slowly lowered herself onto one of The Reigning One’s chairs, and Rhuna noticed that she still towered over her even in a seated position.

The Reigning One lifted a finger, and two attendants appeared at once to offer a large platter of food and a choice of beverages. Rhuna watched as Uxbana chose a sample of each food group, and then requested a large drinking vessel of the popular brewed and fermented barley beverage.

“My emissaries have reported to me about the grand stone buildings in this land,” Uxbana said with a mouthful of sweet honey cake. “It is always astute, is it not, to cultivate good relations with one’s neighbours, especially when there is much to be learned and gained, such as the Knowledge of Safu that is becoming famous in the entire world,” she said, and then took several large gulps of her beverage.

“However, our attempts to learn more about Safu have been strangely undermined in various ways,” she added as she took another mouthful of food.

Rhuna felt her skin prickle as she realized that Uxbana was referring to the acts of the Dark Ones.

“Several of my emissaries fell violently ill before reaching Safu, and several others, travelling together on a barge down the Great River, were attacked by both crocodiles and hippopotamuses,” Uxbana continued.

“How extraordinary,” The Reigning One interjected in a slightly elevated pitch, telling Rhuna that the rigid, disciplined man was in fact very surprised.

“Perhaps the lack of rain in recent lunar cycles has made the river animals agitated,” Uxbana suggested, but Rhuna saw from the hint of a frown on The Reigning One’s brow that he dismissed this idea.

“My emissaries have reported to me about curses,” Uxbana continued in a loud and firm tone, looking directly at Rhuna. “But let us not argue about the verity of curses,” Uxbana added with a quick dismissive wave of her hand.

“I have come to acquire the knowledge and ability to make our land of Ubanti like Safu, namely to build pyramids, stone roads, stone block houses, irrigation walls and metal tools,” she stated.

“These things were made with the power only Atlans possess,” explained Rhuna, and the black woman’s eyebrows arched questioningly.

“Transforming sand into stone blocks, or water in the case of the First Atlans in Safu, are exclusively the works of very skilled Atlan Masters,” Rhuna explained.

“My emissaries have reported to me of your grand deeds on behalf of the people of Benshu,” Uxbana said. “You made a city for the common people, all by yourself…”

“I transformed sand and dirt into stone building blocks so that the people could make better homes for themselves,” Rhuna confirmed.

“What else can you do?” she asked sharply, her obsidian eyes gleaming.

“I can transform metals for tools, plating on doors or walls, make glass from sand, soften stone so it can be shaped or cut…and I can also break down big rocks, or cause cracks in walls,” Rhuna said, remembering the unintentional damage she caused during her first lunar cycle in Safu.

“Why should only Atlans have this power?” shot Uxbana with an angry frown and flaring nostrils. “You are not even a pure Atlan!” she spat, as her gleaming black eyes bore into Rhuna. “I have heard about your great feats on behalf of the Benshi people, but you are not how I imagined you,” she challenged.

Rhuna – New Horizons

A Quest For Ancient Wisdom Book 4

The fourth book in the series, Rhuna: New Horizons can also be read as a standalone novel.

After sacrificing a life of comfort and security for her daughter’s sake, Rhuna and her family go into exile and start a new life in the former Atlan colony of Varappa. This faraway land is a frontier of new technology such as air travel, loops in time and a society apparently flourishing without a governing body of any kind.

On the surface, everyone appears to thrive in this liberated society, but this kind of free thinking is fertile ground for the Dark Master and his followers. Just when Rhuna and her family settle into their beautiful new lakeside home, strange things begin to happen. Powerful conjurers cause upheaval with their sinister magic, driving people from their homes.

An isolated society claiming to adhere to the ways of the First Atlans, appear to be fighting a losing battle against these followers of the Dark Master. While attempting to find a diplomatic solution to the escalating conflict, Rhuna faces great challenges in her personal life. Aradin’s love for her has cooled off inexplicably, and Lozira’s emotional wellbeing teeters on a precarious threshold. In desperation, Rhuna combines her magical powers and Varappan technology to do the unthinkable. What she does, however, is forbidden, and brings about a rift between her and her own father. Rhuna may have headed down a path from which there is no turning back…

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Barbara Underwood was born and raised in Sydney, Australia; the only child of German migrants who provided a rich and diverse childhood environment. Already in third grade she wrote a short children's book for a class project and realized that she was deeply satisfied with creating stories. In sixth grade, for another class project, her teacher was so impressed by the lengthy story she submitted, that he commented at the end "I see we are going to have another author".

Over the years Barbara kept writing one thing or another, but only as a hobby while she pursued other interests and goals. In the 1990s, she completed a correspondence course in professional writing, doing it in her spare time after work. This led to having a few short stories published, but what she really wanted to do was write a proper novel.

At this time, Barbara had travelled extensively and gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in subjects that held special appeal for her, namely ancient history, myths and legends (such as Atlantis, the builders of megaliths around the world), folklore (the belief that a god-like race gave mankind its technology), human psychology and the culture of other countries. What better subject for her first novel than to combine all these elements into one big adventure!

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