It's Sunday and I sincerely hope you are having a wonderful day.
Well the cover is changed and I am still not convinced it is what I want. Here is it is and leave a comment please. It will certainly help me to determine if I must change the cover again and again. I appreciate your time and comments. Thanks.
I will also share another chapter of this intriguing story with you. I hope you are enjoying.
Chapter 6
FINAL VISIT TO THE TEMPLE AND OBSERVATION CENTER
It was early; no one was awake, Randia and Zanu went down stairs to the dining room. They were sitting at the table enjoying their private time together, when in came Sipho still sleepy-eyed and greeted them. He sat down and Randia gave him a glass of milk. Sipping the milk, he inquired when they would be returning to the Observation Center.
"Sipho, I think we should visit the center today, and then tomorrow you and I must go back to the Temple," Zanu said.
"Great. Can Emma and Irma come along?" he asked
"Of course, perhaps Olomos and Ogmu can join us as well."
"What about Idranda?" Sipho asked.
"Sipho, Randia has planned some other event for Idranda today," Zanu answered with a slight frown on his brow.
"Pity, I like her and think she is super smart," he said and left the room.
Zanu looked at his wife Randia and wondered why Sipho had a sudden interest in Idranda. He told Randia to keep her away from the other children and if necessary, move her to Maazen’s home. She agreed.
After breakfast, Zanu called Zerydo and told him to meet him at the Observation Center. Zanu and the children left the house a little later. When the group arrived, and after the conventional greetings, Zanu, together with Zerydo, called Sipho and told him he would have to spend the entire day observing the areas surrounding Israel. He told him once they returned to earth, he would be going to Israel for a very important mission. Sipho was surprised and agreed to gather as much information as possible. Zerydo and Sipho went over to a monitor and under the guidance of an experienced engineer, started making notes about the regions and areas surrounding Israel.
Zanu walked over to Emma and Irma who together with Olomos and Ogmu were checking different cities on earth.
"Emma, both you and Irma must come with me; there is something I need you to do," he told them.
Obediently they followed him and he took them over to a smaller monitor and told the engineer to zoom in on Cotswold.
"I want both of you girls to watch Cotswold and take notes regarding the times when traffic appears to be busier. Plus the weather patterns and in particular your home and the number of people walking or driving around, and write down the times," he said.
"We can do that, I am sure," Irma replied.
He watched Emma and Irma settle down and under the guidance of a senior engineer, they began to watch Cotswold and make notes. He stood back looking at the two of them and smiled at their remarks and surprises at the events down on earth.
He went back to Sipho and Zerydo and inquired how they were doing. Sipho confessed the areas they were monitoring were difficult to observe as there was a lot of desert. Zanu told them there would be some towns and cities they would see later, but he wanted them to get a good idea of the countryside as well. He would be leaving now, but would return later on. Zanu said goodbye and left.
Zanu went to the council center and consulted with his members. A general discussion of the upcoming events and the return to earth were debated at length. Zanu again confirmed that Publo would be appointed the acting Governor while he was away. Arrangements to send a team of engineers and guards to the settlement on earth were finalized.
Late into the afternoon, Zanu returned to Observation Center and found the children still very busy with their monitoring assignments. He went over to the twins and told them they would be leaving soon. He then told Sipho to get ready to leave. Sipho was happy. He told Zanu the monitoring was difficult and required a lot of patience. Zanu told him he would return tomorrow to continue with this exercise, as it was important for him to be aware of the areas for the upcoming mission. Sipho tried to question Zanu about the mission, but Zanu withheld some vital information for their own safety. Sipho was eager to find out more, but respected Zanu's reply, and walked over to the girls. Happy to leave and have a few hours of fun, they were delighted that the day was not over and the weather was still warm.
Arriving home, they ran to the pool and began to play and swim amongst the rocks and waterfall, splashing and shouting with delight. Zanu watched from a distance smiling within at how happy they were to be home. He went into his study and Zerydo followed him and closed the door.
Zanu offered him refreshments and he gladly accepted a juice. Sitting down and sipping his fresh melon juice, Zerydo watched Zanu stroke his beard and knew whenever he stroked that beard there was some concern he needed to share.
"Well Zanu, tell me about the next mission, I am keen to know how much involvement I will have? He asked.
"I have not been given all the details, but I do know that you will accompany Sipho to Israel with the golden nails," he said.
"Golden nails! I wonder what on earth for?" Zerydo asked.
"As I said, I am not sure about the plan God Most High has. I do know that after tomorrow Sipho must attend the university with you and gather as much information as possible regarding earthquakes and tsunamis."
"My my, it sure does sound like a mystery. Earthquakes and tsunamis? I am more than curious now to know what the entire mission is about."
"Yes, so am I, but we must be patient, we will be told in due course. I have in the meantime arranged for a team of engineers to go to the settlement on earth and prepare for our return."
"Good thinking, it is better to be prepared beforehand."
"At the moment there is not much more I can tell you. Are you hungry? I am! Randia mentioned to me that she and Lindiwe were going shopping this morning, so I am not sure when dinner will be served, but you are more than welcome to stay."
"Great! I think I will join you for dinner, and it will be good to chat to the ladies again."
They sat talking about general events and exchanged several ideas for over an hour, when Randia returned and greeted them. Zerydo stood up and kissed her on the cheek. Zanu remained seated and waited. She walked up to her husband and placed a gentle kiss directly on his lips. She told them dinner would be ready in an hour.
Dawn came stealing over the planet with orange and red glows scattered across the sky. Another day had begun and Zanu was ready and waiting to take the children to the Observation Center. They were not as keen as yesterday, he noticed. Nevertheless, they were obedient and went with him. Once again, they took their seats and started monitoring the events surrounding Israel and Cotswold. He watched for a while and once he was sure they would be fine, he left.
He went in search of Maazen, his brother, and found him at the Headquarters making arrangements with the engineers and scientists who would be leaving this afternoon for their return trip to earth. Zanu watched the professional manner in which Maazen undertook the arrangements. Not wanting to interrupt the sequence of events, he waited for a while and as soon as he saw Maazen was a little more relaxed; Zanu asked if he could bring the children to the launch site for them to watch the team leave. Maazen cheerfully agreed and Zanu thanked him and left to go back to the Observation Center. Once there he walked over to Sipho, who was sitting with both his hands supporting his head. Zanu knew he was bored and hoped to cheer him up.
"Sipho, you are studying and monitoring so diligently. I am impressed," he said.
"Yes, I think I can close my eyes and tell you all about Israel and her neighbors," he said and turned around to face Zanu.
"Well, finish up. I am taking you out for a surprise," he said and walked over to Emma and Irma’s workstation.
He told the girls to stop monitoring and get ready to leave. They were so eager to leave that they jumped off their chairs, and waited for him to give further instructions. He beckoned them all to follow him.
The children left the building, not sure where they were going and kept quiet as the auto-glider sped through the city center and out toward the launch site. Excited and unable to contain his inquisitive nature Sipho asked Zanu where they were going.
He told them that teams of engineers would be leaving today and again tomorrow to return to the settlement and they were going to watch the space ship leave Anglur for earth. Excitedly they asked many questions regarding the return to earth.
At the spaceport and in the safe space observation center they watched the precision and expertise of the Anglurians as they worked to prepare for the lift off. Monitors were checked continuously and last minute details were taken care of. They watched as the spaceship door closed and the ramp was removed. The engines roared and the lift-off proceeded. Up, up this great spacecraft went and within minutes it was gone!
Enjoying this tremendously, Sipho asked if it was possible to watch the spacecraft’s journey back to the settlement. Zanu said it was possible but it would take about three hours. The children listened to him arrange for their request with eager anticipation. Zanu told the children they would monitor the entire event from home. He continued and told them his engineers were busy relaying the signal remotely from the space observation center so they could watch the earth landing.
Excited with the news, they urged Zanu to leave straight away for home. Zanu nodded in agreement. The excitement and eagerness of the children brought a smile to his face. Once at home, they quickly went into the Situation Room and making themselves comfortable, started watching the spacecraft zoom at an unbelievable speed through the cosmos, avoiding asteroids and eventually entering earth's atmosphere.
They could see a few clouds, then they saw the hill top open slowly and the spacecraft slowed down and lowered itself into the secret hillside earth station. Watching a while longer, the hilltop closed and the screen went black. Disappointed at the trip having ended, they got up and went upstairs.
Over the next few days Sipho, together with Zerydo, went to the university and under the guidance of experienced knowledgeable professors learned all about earthquakes and tsunamis. It was traumatic for young Sipho having to be exposed to such horrendous events and each night he would plead with Zanu to stop the lessons. Zanu did all he could to comfort him and assured him that knowing about these events would help him in the future. This frightened him even more, as he knew he would be going on a mission where the likelihood of an earthquake or worse could happen. He became sullen and avoided the other children over this period.
After three days, Sipho became depressed and miserable. Zanu knew he would have to do something quickly to encourage him to continue his studies. He found him sitting under a large elm tree looking very sullen. Zanu sat next to him and tried to cheer him up, but to no avail. He suggested they visit the Temple. Sipho immediately responded and said he would like to do that. Perhaps he would find out what was happening. They immediately left and went to the Temple.
Another perfect day. They walked most of the way in silence and upon entering this vast peaceful place, with the light shining down the aisle, Sipho immediately felt a calm peace overwhelm him. They sat down and listened for the voices of the angels. It was not long before the angels asked them to come up to the front of the Temple and wait.
Standing up they walked toward the front and waited. The angel asked Sipho if he had any concerns.
"Yes, I want to know why I need to find out all there is about earthquakes and what the reason is for this?" he asked.
"Sipho, dear child, you are a chosen child with a great destiny. This knowledge gained now, even though it upsetting it will indeed save you from any danger that may befall you in the future. It is for your own protection that you understand the consequences of such great disasters," the angel replied.
"I still don't understand how knowing about nature’s fury can save me. I think you will be subjecting me to some dangerous event on the next mission!" He said.
"Well you must remember you are special and have our protection. Are there any other requests?" the angel asked.
"Am I going to be subjected to any natural disasters?" Sipho asked.
"Sipho, at this time I am not at liberty to answer that, but rest assured that whatever may happen, you will always have divine protection."
"Well I suppose you know best, although I must admit I am afraid." Sipho said.
"Do not be afraid, all will be well in the end. Do you have any other questions?" the angel asked.
Sipho shook his head and they stood waiting and after a few minutes, Zanu put his hand on his shoulder and nudged him to start walking out. They left the Temple and immediately Zanu noticed Sipho appeared to be more relaxed. He knew the tranquility of the Temple would help the child to feel more peaceful. Sipho apologized to Zanu and told him he would continue learning about the ever-changing weather patterns with more enthusiasm. He asked Zanu to be honest with him and prepare him for any events in the future. Zanu promised him he would definitely inform him of any dangers that may be forthcoming. Zanu hugged him. Together they walked back home, feeling more bonded and closer now that their relationship was firmer.
Within a week, Sipho was confident he knew all there was to know about earthquakes and tsunamis, and when Professor Tylor questioned him, he found Sipho to be more than capable of undertaking any event that might incur danger. He reported to Zanu that Sipho was ready and able to accept the responsibility without coming to any harm.
Zanu was pleased with the training and called Sipho into his study. He congratulated him and told him they would collect the fourteen golden nails at the Temple tomorrow and receive further instructions. He continued and told Sipho they would be returning to earth shortly. Sipho was excited. He loved Anglur, but suddenly he needed to be close to his grandfather and told Zanu how much he would enjoy seeing Dumasani again. Zanu assured him he would be able to see him and subtly reminded him that he was still required to undertake a mission for God Most High.
It was early when Zanu and Sipho left the house and went to the Temple. The walk was pleasant, the weather was good not hot and just warm enough to enjoy. Entering the great Temple, they immediately sat down and waited for further instructions.
"Sipho, Zanu, come up to the front of the Temple and we will discuss your mission," an angel's voice said.
They got up and went to the front and waited.
"Zanu, the fourteen golden nails are in front of you. Sipho and Zerydo will place these at designated places which we will inform you about. But first when you return to earth, you must place four nails around the settlement and the Khula village," the angel said.
"Why must we place these nails around certain places? Sipho asked.
"It is for protection. In other words, no matter what happens the Khula village will always be safe," the angel replied.
"That is good. It should not be too dangerous to do this. I am sure we can succeed."
"Remember, nobody but Sipho may touch the golden nails. The twins Emma and Irma can touch them if they need to."
"Fine, I will ensure we carry out your instructions," Zanu answered.
Zanu told Sipho to pick up the golden nails and they left the Temple. Still being asked many questions, Zanu tried to answer Sipho as best as he could, while they walked back home. At home, Zanu told Sipho to place the nails in a special box and locked them in a safe. With that done, he told Sipho to go and play with the other children and enjoy the rest of the day. Sipho did not hesitate and ran outside to find his friends.
It was midday when Zanu left the house and went to the Headquarters. The council members were chatting and as soon as he entered, quietness descended. He greeted the members and told them about the instructions received from the Temple and told them to prepare for the return voyage to earth. The council members asked many questions and Zanu, as patient as ever, answered as diligently as he could. Finally, after appeasing the members, Zanu closed the meeting and went home.
It was fun and laughter for the next two days, no pressure at all; the children relaxed, enjoyed the trips around the planet and enjoyed meeting many people who contributed to this amazing world.
Lindiwe, during this time did not see Zanmorn, who was still not at home after receiving his instruction a few days earlier to go to the Temple. She had managed to heed Zanu's wisdom and learn to love him as a brother. She wanted to tell him and hoped to see him soon. Zanu was pleased with her decision and told her Zanmorn would return the day they departed. The twins were also eager to return to earth, although they loved being on Anglur with all its intriguing designs and underground passages.
Zanmorn, instructed by the angels not to pursue his relationship with Lindiwe, undertook serious meditation during his stay at the Temple. Emerging from the Temple, he felt invigorated and ready for duty. He realized the passionate feelings he had had for Lindiwe were wrong and promised God Most High he would continue to love her as a sister. During his stay with his sister Bethsaida, the council members informed him of the upcoming events and he looked forward to serving Zanu on earth again. Zerydo, well prepared for the anticipated mission waited for the final instructions from Zanu. He felt disappointed that his brother Maazen and his wife Edra would not join them on this trip, but would return to earth later. Excitement and joy were the features of the day - last minute arrangements were checked and everything was ready for the return trip. Sipho was excited that Olomos would accompany him on the journey. He loved this child and enjoyed his company.
Have a wonderful week and wishing you all the best.
Your friend,
Laura
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