Ashlyn Chronicles 2: 2288 A.D.: A Time Travel Sci-Fi Fantasy by Glenn van Dyke, Renee van Dyke Page A

tell my father about an ancient legend. I still remember the fear I felt upon hearing the story. It spoke of a netherworld—a place of great horrors that tore at the mind. A place where an evil darkness exists.”
    Ashlyn groaned, drawing their attention. Her eyes were wide as she recalled the emptiness, despair and loneliness of what she had sensed.
    Steven spoke, explaining what little he knew. “Just before our exit from the wormhole, Ashlyn sensed the darkness. She said her enemies were calling her.”
    Ninmah tensed. A deep sigh escaped her, making her shudder. “I had never given much consideration to the darkness as being real.
    “Everyone thought the legend of the pendant was mythical, but now, I am not so sure. If the darkness exists, then you must be careful. The netherworld was said to be a place of horrific fires and fierce winds—winds that would peel back the flesh from the bone. It was a place where mountains sank into the sea to never be seen again.”
    “The four elements of the pendant,” said Steven.
    “Yes. The four elements of the pendant,” parroted Ninmah.
    “It is said that a Transor had the ability to send their enemies into that netherworld. A place where the past, present, and future are all one. A place where they would be tormented forever. No one who was the enemy of a Transor was safe from such powers. And the temptation for a Transor to abuse the power was great. Too great.”
    Ashlyn and Steven said nothing. Her words were so close to the biblical description of eternal torment in Hell, that they both felt a chill race through them.
    “But, until we know for sure, it is only legend,” said Ninmah.
    “As was my ability to heal Enki until a few minutes ago,” reminded Ashlyn.
    “Your confidence is already growing,” said Ninmah. “As regards my story, you must remember, I was but a child. I do not know if a place of such darkness truly exists.”
    “It does,” said Ashlyn with conviction.
    A nervous grimace pursed Ninmah’s lips. “Then perhaps we should see if the pendant has such abilities? It may be your savior.”
    “If it does, they would not be safe to use aboard a ship,” said Ashlyn.
    “I have little knowledge of the pendant beyond its configuration, but I do know a Transor’s power is tied to the strength of the emotions calling upon it. The stronger the emotion, the more power it has. I believe it is safe to do a small test, trying each of the elements one at a time.”
    “I have to admit, I am anxious to see if it works,” admitted Steven. “And she’s right. You may need it.”
    Ashlyn fastened the choker around her neck. “Remember, you asked me to do this.” Ash looked at each of them in turn. Touching the center of the pendant, the armor instantly unfolded, encasing Ashlyn. The pendant was now part of the armor, having integrated itself into the design. With another push, the armor folded inwards, disappearing back into itself.
    Steven spoke. “Well, I’m already impressed.”
    Ninmah looked at him, then back at Ashlyn. “As am I. Can you try the four elements please?”
    Ashlyn tapped the west side of the pendant. From each of her palms, sprouted a small flame. Ash held her hands up and tried to blow out the flames. They danced in response. Ashlyn’s eyes were gleaming, her wide smile conveying how much fun she was having. Like a small child, Ashlyn playfully spun her hands around, watching the fire follow. Though her hands wound through the flame, she felt no heat, no ill effect. She could sense that there was an invisible shield, a barrier protecting her.
    Entranced, the hearts of Ninmah, Steven, and Tara were speeding. It was magical to watch.
    With a flip of the wrists, the small flames flew to the far wall and burst. Ash tapped the pendant, stilling the flames rising from her palms.
    Quickly pushing the bottom of the pendant, south, Ash thought of water. It instantly began to rain heavily in the room—putting out the fire she had