Davide Read online

  He opened his eyes and gazed once more into the beautiful night, listening to the song of the wind. Later, he dreamed.

  * * *

  Roth and Rainey landed gracefully on the ledge outside the Cave of Thirteen. Revelations from Fawn had compelled them to present new information to the twelve co-Princes, Roth being the thirteenth. After completing successful Missions of Mastery that had started after Davide's birth, Roth had recently received the honor of joining the co-Princes when Prince Five stepped down due to her advancing age of nearly eight thousand years. She had said she wanted to spend her remaining days with the husband of her youth and their many offspring, unfettered by the cares of being a co-Prince and making decisions that would, hopefully, lead creation toward its ultimate achievement—enlightenment. The remaining co-Princes below Prince Five had shifted up one rank and Roth had been asked to join as Prince Thirteen. Since his father's untimely death had broken the chain of co-Princes in the Beowolf family, he had been overjoyed to continue the family tradition.

  On the ledge, he shifted into his shapeling form and Rainey shifted into a hybrid of human and shapeling. He gazed lovingly at his wife and bent to kiss her forehead. "Are you ready, Soiuer?"

  "Yes, Roth. It's imperative that we advise the council of this latest development."

  Together they entered the cave and went to stand before the elders. Roth knelt and said, "May the embers of truth always glow." Rainey did likewise, repeating the prayer, and they both stood.

  "Welcome Roth and Rainey Beowolf," said the Prominent Prince. "Roth, please take your place with the Twelve."

  Roth stepped forward and assumed his position among the council.

  The Prominent Prince smiled at Rainey. "How are you, my granddaughter?"

  "I am excellent, Prominent Prince. It is good to see you again." Although Rainey always addressed her grandfather by his title when in the presence of the council, her eyes twinkled with love for him.

  "And how are your mother and father?"

  "They are very happy and enjoying my father's retirement years. My mother sends her love."

  The Prominent Prince directed his attention toward Roth who now sat with the elders. "You have a look of urgency, Prince Thirteen. What is on your mind?"

  Roth focused his attention on the co-Princes. "An interesting insight regarding the Great Prince has come to light." Roth stared at his wife and the co-Princes glanced between them.

  "Please continue," said Prince Two.

  Roth nodded. "As you are aware, Zoe, the daughter of Wade Spencer and the stepdaughter of Fawn Woods Spencer, is an Indigo child with special abilities. And as you are also aware, years ago she began hearing voices originating from the sipapu of Anasazi ruins speaking of a coming prince; however, she was unable to decipher all their words."

  The council said as one, "Yes, continue."

  "When Zoe was a child, she made Fawn promise not to reveal what I am about to share with you. However, Fawn and Wade recently came to Rainey and me with this information, because they thought it to be in the best interest of all. After listening to them, we agreed with their assessment. When Zoe was seven, she confided to Fawn that she had come to understand more of what the angelic voice emanating from the ruins was saying." Roth paused and watched interest light the faces of the co-Princes while they waited for his revelation. He continued, "The voice Zoe always refers to as the 'pretty voice' told her, 'You are the Great Love of the Great Prince. You are his Princess'."

  Except for the Prominent Prince, Roth saw shock register on the faces of the co-Princes. The Prominent Prince spoke. "What is your belief regarding this revelation, Prince Thirteen?"

  Roth replied, "I will reiterate what the council already knows. Zoe has always been dear to our family. From the first moment she saw Davide she knew he was special. Because of her ability to see auras, she confided early on that his is unlike any she had ever seen. It is golden. Throughout the years she has often visited our family and spent much time with Davide, and it is with retrospect that Rainey and I believe she may have romantic feelings for him; however, he does not appear to reciprocate those feelings. He loves her as his dear friend." Roth waited for the council to speak.

  Prince Eleven said to the council, "It appears we may have the same situation here as we did with Roth."

  "I agree," said the Prominent Prince.

  Roth glanced at Rainey, confused. The smile lighting her face made it apparent that she was not confused.

  "Perhaps, we should use the same tactic that we did with Roth," suggested Prince Seven.

  The Prominent Prince replied, "Yes. Do you agree council?"

  The co-Princes spoke in unison. "Yes, we agree."

  The Prominent Prince said to Roth. "You are the deciding vote, Prince Thirteen, and since you appear confused, I will explain."

  Roth waited.

  "When you and Rainey were constantly at odds with each other, we determined that you needed to spend uninterrupted time together…"

  Roth chuckled. Now he understood. He looked at Rainey and grinned.

  "So, you understand?" said the Prominent Prince.

  "Yes. How do you propose that we bring Davide and Zoe together to see if anything develops between them?"

  The Prominent Prince tapped his fingertips together and then smiled. "As you have often informed us, Davide has requested that he be allowed to visit the Cave of Thirteen, and since he has never acquired the ability to shift, even after years of training, that request has been denied. However, I believe it is now time for us to grant his request."

  Roth again watched shock register on the faces of the council as he also wondered at the words. He waited for the Prominent Prince to explain.

  "Although shapelings reach the Cave of Thirteen by shifting into birds, it would not be impossible for Davide to reach us by paragliding once he is on the island. I believe he is proficient in the sport. Is that correct?"

  Roth nodded but said, "With respect, Prominent One, how does that bring him and Zoe together?"

  The Prominent Prince glanced at each co-Prince in turn. "Since we agree that Davide and Zoe should spend time together, I will now present the entirety and logic of what I am proposing, and ask for a final vote."

  CHAPTER 6:

  TALK ABOUT A WALKABOUT

  Davide entered the drawing room and greeted his parents after their return from the Cave of Thirteen. His father, being Prince Thirteen, was often required to fly there for issues related to the governing of shapelings and mission assignments. When Davide had first learned about the cave during his teen years, he'd begged his father to take him. His father had said the location was secret and could only be reached by flight. Hoping to persuade him, Davide had learned to paraglide. However, even that had not swayed his father.

  "Hello son," Roth said warmly and embraced him.

  His mother grinned and hugged him after his father. "What have you been up to while we were gone?"

  "Grandpa asked me to work with your lab's team to think-tank your idea for individual frequency-pack implants. It must feel good to have your life's work finally clear governmental hurdles."

  "Well, we still have a long way to go in our research, but getting this far is awesome. It's taken longer to clear regulations than it did to pinpoint the disruptive frequencies necessary for recreating body organs."

  "That's bureaucracy for you. Grandpa's hopeful the frequency packs will be available within a couple of years." Davide chuckled, "Oh, and I've also been retrieving items from the cellar for Beth."

  Among the household staff and family, it was a longstanding joke that the old cook had not entered the cellar in decades because she believed it was haunted. Of course, that belief had been spawned by Rainey as a teen when she'd discovered a window that became her escape to the outside world.

  His parents laughed and then motioned him to a chair across from theirs.

  Davide glanced from one to the other. "Okay, you've both got Cheshire grins; what's up?"
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  Without prelude his father announced, "I'm going to give you the directions to the Cave of Thirteen. It's located on an island in the Pacific known among shapelings as the Isle of Shapelings."

  Davide's mouth dropped. "You're kidding?"

  "No, son, I'm not. I believe it's time for you to meet your great-grandfather, the Prominent Prince, and your great-grandmother, as well as the rest of the council. You do remember how to paraglide, don't you?"

  "Most definitely! What brought about this change of heart?"

  His father glanced at his mother. "A recent revelation that I cannot reveal."

  "Dad, as usual, you're being cryptic; but no matter, I'm overjoyed. When can I go?"

  His mother interjected, "There are certain conditions that must be met before your father will reveal the way to the cave."

  Davide frowned. "What kind of conditions?"

  "You must visit Uluru in the Australian Outback and go on a walkabout."

  Davide's eyes rounded.

  His mother quickly added, "I know you don't understand now…"

  Davide interrupted. "It's not that. I just dreamed of Uluru last night. My God, the mountain lives, it breathes, and calls to me in my dreams."

  Now it was Roth and Rainey's turn to be shocked. The three of them stared at each other. Finally, Roth said, "There's another condition, Davide."

  Davide wasn't sure he liked the tone of his father's voice. "And what is that?"

  "You must take Zoe with you. And after you both return from the walkabout, I'll reveal the location of the Isle of Shapelings, with the stipulation that she also travel there."

  CHAPTER 7:

  FINDING ZOE

  Davide cursed when the zipper of his backpack got stuck. Pulling it back and forth, he cursed again. Why the hell did Zoe have to go on a walkabout with him? She'd never impressed him as being the outdoors type, and a walkabout was a grueling experience, or so he'd heard.

  Of course, he was anxious to find her and find out what the bee-up-her-butt was, but he didn't want to babysit her on a walkabout.

  The zipper broke free and Davide slung the backpack over his shoulder. He reached for the internet printout of the symphony's schedule, and hastened from his room.

  Knocking on the door to his parents' suite he said a quick goodbye, but was unable to hide his irritation at the requirement that Zoe accompany him on the walkabout before directions to the Cave of Thirteen would be revealed. And then go to the cave with him. His parents only smiled lovingly and bid him a pleasant journey.

  Johnson, their long time chauffeur and bodyguard, was already waiting for him in the drive. Davide entered one of the many fleet of Childress vehicles and plopped belligerently in the front seat. Johnson put the Land Rover Range Rover in gear and headed toward the guard station at the entrance to the estate.

  "Well, son, what's got your dander up?"

  Davide glanced at Johnson and shook his head. He knew Johnson had never been told that he worked among shapelings. In fact, no one in the household knew about shapelings except Beth and Hank. His grandfather had only become aware of it shortly before Roth and Rainey were married. Beth had known about it from Rainey's childhood.

  "I've got to find Zoe."

  "What's so bad about that? She's one of my favorite people. The first time we met, she told me, 'You have nice colors.' I never understood what she meant, but she said it with such sincerity that she captured my heart."

  "It's kind of a long story. Suffice it to say, I've got to drag her along on a trip to the Australian Outback."

  "Goodness. Now that sounds intriguing." Davide knew that because of Johnson's training he would not press for information that was not readily given. Instead, he pressed the gas pedal and said, "We'd better hurry. Your flight leaves within the hour."

  After being dropped off at the Portland Airport, Davide hastened to the departure gate for private flights. He was hitching a ride to France on one of Childress Enterprises' Lear jets. From there, he would catch a commercial flight to Madrid, Spain, where Zoe was performing with her orchestra.

  By the time he arrived at Madrid Barajas Airport, he was tired, cranky, and hungry. Hailing a taxi, he directed the driver to Casa de Madrid, a high class hotel literally across the street from the Teatro Real, the Royal Opera House. Having traveled the world with his father and mother, and his sister after her addition to the family, he had visited Madrid at least three times that he could remember, and even attended an event at the Teatro Real.

  Davide was impressed by Zoe's accomplishment. He had heard her play piano a few times and also knew of her love for the violin, but, regrettably, had never heard her play the Stradivarius his parents had gifted her with for her eighteenth birthday. He'd been having too much fun playing in the woods outside his home while she'd entertained the household that afternoon. He'd also gotten chastised for being so rude. Of course, Zoe was seven years older and no doubt knew that a precocious boy couldn't sit still and listen to a violinist.

  His taxi pulled to the curb and he paid the driver and jumped out. A doorman opened the hotel door. He thanked the man and gave him a tip before entering the elegance of Casa de Madrid.

  Thankfully, the check-in process was short because of his reservation. After over fourteen hours of travel, all he wanted to do was launch across his bed and sleep—which he immediately did.

  Again he dreamed of Uluru; the majestic sandstone mountain rising out of flat desert in the heart of Australia's Red Center. It rose glorious against a sunset backdrop casting the iron laden soil into an unearthly magenta. The mountain spoke to him—not in words, but in nature sounds. He could hear wind and rain, birds and insects, and other miniscule sounds. Rather than clash, the sounds harmonized and made him feel one with Source.

  He woke before dawn and showered. By the time he'd dressed and pulled his balcony draperies open, the sun had crested. Through hazy light he watched early risers venture into the new day. He glanced across the street at the opera house. Tonight he would surprise Zoe with his presence, and then shock her by asking her to accompany him to Uluru. Of course, if she refused his powers of persuasion, he would demand that she accompany him. If she still refused—he would kidnap her. He had to reach the Cave of Thirteen and convince the co-Princes that he was not the prophesied Great Prince.

  CHAPTER 8:

  HEAVENLY MUSIC

  Davide entered Teatro Real after showing the ticket his grandmother Stella had easily procured for him before leaving the United States. He shook his head when he remembered how overjoyed his grandmother had been when she'd learned that he had to take Zoe on his quest. What was with his family lately?

  He entered the theater and located the stairs leading to the third floor balcony. Stella had reserved a front row seat for him. He was early, so he sat back and closed his eyes.

  Movement in the aisle caused him to open his eyes as a beautiful woman and her companion skirted sideways toward him. The woman paused in front of him and swept her eyes over his body before brushing unnecessarily against his legs. "Disculpe, señor." She gave him a sultry smile. She was lovely, but he wasn't interested. Mandy had cured him of beautiful, calculating women. He gave her a half-hearted smile and then closed his eyes again. He heard the woman speaking in Spanish to her companion and felt the brush of her leg when she sat beside him. Her companion sat on her other side.

  A few minutes later he felt a rub on his arm and heard, "Voy a disfrutar sentado a tu lado." He understood the language, but decided to feign ignorance. He looked at the woman and shook his head, indicating he did not understand. She spoke in accented English, "I said I shall enjoy sitting beside you, señor."

  Davide had no idea how to respond, so he only nodded.

  The woman persisted. "So, you are tourist? You enjoy Madrid?"

  Davide sighed inwardly, "Yes, it's a lovely city."

  "Is this your first visit to Teatro Real?"

  "Ah, no, I attended years ago with my parents."

  "My nam
e is Magdalena." The woman rubbed her hand sensually up and down his forearm.

  Thankfully, he was saved from having to answer because the lights dimmed. He moved his arm slightly and the woman removed her hand, although she kept contact with her shoulder. Davide wondered what her companion thought about her blatant come-on.

  The curtains opened and Davide leaned forward searching for Zoe's corkscrew curls using his theater glasses. She sat in the lead position in the violin section. The maestro stepped to the podium and lifted his wand, and beautiful music flowed into the audience for the next hour. At intermission, Davide stood and started to walk to the mezzanine, but again felt a hand on his arm. He turned to the woman beside him. Smiling coyly, she said, "You did not tell me your name."

  He glanced from her to her companion. "Davide."

  "Well, Davide, I'm happy to meet you. This is my cousin, Raoul." The woman gestured toward the handsome man with Mediterranean features.

  "Pleased to meet you, Raoul." Now Davide understood why she had no qualms about coming on to him with her companion next to her.

  "Why do we not all enjoy refreshments together?" Magdalena suggested.

  Rather than rudely decline and create animosity during the remainder of the symphony, Davide allowed himself to be maneuvered by Magdalena. She kept up a lively conversation during the break and Davide waited for the inevitable. Finally, she said, "Why do you not join me tomorrow for lunch at Café de Chinitas?"

  She lowered and then lifted downcast eyes in a feminine gesture that revealed promise of more than lunch.

  "Thank you for the invitation, but I'm leaving the city tomorrow." He didn't add that he would be leaving tomorrow night, and hopefully, Zoe would be traveling willingly with him; if not, then by coercion.

  Magdalena looked disappointed and Davide changed the subject before she could launch another attack. "Looks like it's time to return to our seats." He turned and led the way.