Prolog
With a Torch to Pass
Sunlight streamed through the mid-summer trees, painting the park with heat. It was one of the few truly natural places left on Earth and had been since the Bio-Eco Wars three centuries ago. The family that lived there refused to let the advancements of science change the way they lived their lives. Laughter could be heard coming from behind the large white building that sat in the center of the park. But unless you knew the correct codes, you couldn’t get past the invisible security to see what was so wonderful.
Two men stepped from an airbus and stood on the street, looking at the lush green grass and the bright, multi-hued flowers that covered the rich soil. Ancient trees threw long shadows, casting a cool spell of mystery around the estate. The taller of the two smiled as he remembered all the time he spent playing in the soft lawn and climbing the many trees. With a contented sigh, he walked to one of the two brick pillars standing guard at the foot of the walkway and tapped out a code.
“Trebor, are you sure it’s alright? I mean, the people living here must be fabulously wealthy. I don’t think they’d want two lowly explorers trespassing,” said the smaller of the two men. He picked at the frayed edge of his carry sack and scanned the empty park. He had the thick blond hair, black eyes, and faintly purple skin of the Kesterols.
Giving his friend a faint smile, Trebor watched a blue shimmer flash across the lawn and fade. At twenty five, Trebor was older by five years. His red hair was beginning to thin and crow’s feet were starting to show in the corners of his brilliant blue eyes. When the grass kept its steady green glow, he stepped onto the gleaming crushed rock path.
“Don’t worry so much, Nora, we’re expected. Phil and Debra are probably wondering why I’m so late. I promised to be here three hours ago.” Trebor turned and waited until his friend joined him on the path. When both men stood on the stone walkway, another blue shimmer covered the ground. But Trebor seemed unconcerned, so Nora followed the older man around the house.
