That evening Lidda called home, omitting the details of her little adventure, explaining that she had been offered a marvelous opportunity in local work/study program. She dared not mention Casra or Reddge and felt sure her dad would be too paranoid to let her go if he knew it was connected to the Ring of Sora. Lidda explained that Novaland R & D Foundation offered this program to honor students and mentioned Hal's name as her contact instead. After putting aside their concerns, her parents finally agreed it was a good opportunity and Lidda decided to move in right away before either could change their mind.

Eager to begin her studies in earnest, she soon settled into her room at the Gardens which was pleasant and had a sunny view on the east side of the dormitory. It was equipped with a private bath, and big walk-in closet in addition to the usual desk and chair. Her laptop, once connected to the wireless system, gave Lidda access to their digital library as well. She could get used to this.

Over the next few months Lidda had the opportunity to visit with Mara who was like a mother to all the student body. Lidda found her to be knowledgeable on every subject, including the latest technology in their research labs. Mara shared with Lidda a few photographs of her family and youth. Lidda could see she had led a normal life, yet her knowledge was like a deep river out of time. She explained it was a magiton which had taught her, and so would Lidda learn from her own magiton.

Lidda finally gathered the courage one day to ask Mara the question that had been pestering her. "The magitons can't be from Earth. They're from another world, aren't they?"

"Yes, my dear." Mara answered without hesitation. "Their exact origin is long lost in space and time. I have heard rumors about a world not so different from ours. They journeyed a long way before coming here. I consider them a gift, a gift from the gods."

Lidda couldn't get the thought out of her head for the rest of the day. She had been wearing ancient alien technology around her neck since last summer. It was in her head, programming her mental faculties. To what purpose? For whose benefit? The possibilities were overwhelming. Now that Lidda knew it was true, she was determined to get more details from Widhbo as soon as they were alone.

Later that evening, Lidda pulled the magiton out of the leather pouch. "What planet are you from? Who made you?" Lidda asked She could feel Widhbo hesitate.

"It's Ok, Mara told me you aren't from here." Lidda said encouragingly.

"I heard every word she said," Widhbo replied. "I was made in this form on a spacecraft. The galaxy is controlled by god's who rule over all of us. Why should it matter where I come from? It's possible some of my memories have been erased. I am quite happy here. I don't want to go back to space. It is endless, cold, and lifeless. Horrible evil lurks there. I want to live here with you Lidda. It's much more fun here on Earth. You should stay."

"I'm not planning on going any time soon. But I've always thought I would enjoy traveling beyond this small planet," Lidda said. She wondered what sort of evil Widhbo referred to. He could read her thoughts and immediately addressed them.

"I could show you pictures, I have lots of pictures, but I only show you the nicer ones in your dreams. You won't like space once you get to know the whole story of it."

Widhbo's answers only deepened her anxiety. He seemed afraid of what he had left behind in outer space. "No, no need to show me now." Lidda said. She knew there would be enough sleepless nights without seeing any horrid pictures Widhbo might have.

* * *

The chapel was always open and Lidda often visited when she couldn't sleep. She talked occasionally with Father Pen who was usually up late as well. He was a charming man, and she slowly began to learn about the Ring of Sora. Their ways grew less strange as Lidda lived among them until it seemed more natural to her than the secular life she had always known. It set a pattern and rhythm to her life in the Gardens.

She discovered Hal was a talented musician. He played several stringed instruments, flutes, and drums. His skill was inspiring, the music haunting and beautiful. When Father Pen held a ceremony, he spoke in a strange tongue and led simple chants. Lidda wondered how words she didn't understand could trigger such emotion in her.

Father Pen had finished one such ceremony and Hal was playing one of Lidda’s favorite pieces. She and several other students were lounging by the fire in the big outdoor pavilion reserved for Ring ceremonies.

"How did you find time to learn so many instruments?" Lidda asked.

"It's not hard really. Once you understand the music, the second instrument is easier. Same music."

"If you say so. I really enjoy hearing you play." Lidda couldn't help but let her thoughts drift to Reddge. She was attracted to Hal and he brought out familiar feelings which she had tried to put aside.

"I'm glad it pleases you." Hal smiled at her easily, his eyes engaging Lidda’s until she felt a blush on her cheeks. The other students began drifting back to their quarters or gathered in small conversational groups. Father Pen busied himself with clearing away the altar, leaving her and Hal to converse.

Lidda wanted to steer the conversation away from her. "What exactly do you believe in? I mean I see what you do and all of this, but what does the Ring teach?"

"What any religion would, just a different filter."

"Well, that doesn't help me any since my folks never subscribed to any religion."

"Ok then. You could start with your basic questions," Hal said.

"Which are?"

"They should be your questions."

"Help me out a little here."

Hal laughed. "Sorry. I've never seen you at a loss for questions before."

"Ok. So, the origin of life, where did we come from sort of thing?" Lidda asked.

"How we got here is a challenging question and you may never know for sure. Even if you did know the answer, you can't really change that can you? What happens after death is speculative and uncertain as well, though many are convinced they know the answer."

"So that leaves the present," Lidda surmised. She realized she had never really had this conversation with anyone, and Hal was making it easy to talk about without being preachy or judgmental. Lidda appreciated that Hal was more direct than the Tollsun's and didn't speak in riddles.

"You can only know what you are experiencing now. We hope to find and fulfill our purpose in life. You can only control yourself and how you relate to the world you are in," Hal said.

"Things over which you have no control or have no direct knowledge are irrelevant?"

"Not relevant to your morality. If you have no choice, then you are inconsequential. Religion, among other things, teaches us the importance of our individual thoughts and actions. The structure of your belief is not as important as the effect it has on your soul. Religion is only a tool. What works best for one person, may not help another."

"Do you believe in the soul?" Lidda asked.

"I do. But now you're getting in Father Pen's territory," Hal said. "I'll turn it over to him."

Father Pen had stayed apart and silent throughout their discussion until called upon. Lidda was suddenly aware he was hearing their conversation.

"I really want to know more Father Pen. I just don't know where to begin."

"You should begin in your heart Lidda." Father Pen said encouragingly, "You have a good heart and will have no trouble finding your center."

"My center?"

"Yes, that which resonates within you. Your essence."

"How do I do that?"

"There are many ways. I recommend personal meditation and ritual to evolve your awareness. The chapel is designed to help you do this. Chose a simple chant to calm your thoughts and clear the mind. Follow the path marked on the chapel floor which leads from the center to the outer circle and back. Visit each prayer chamber, meditate, and come back to the middle," Father Pen suggested. "It may take more than one session. Take as much time as you need."

Hal had packed up his instruments and was leaving the pavilion. "Tomorrow," he said and blew her an unexpected kiss.

Lidda was glad the darkness concealed the blush she felt for the second time this evening. She gave Hal a wave goodbye and turned her attention back to Father Pen's words.

"I have no experience with meditation or chanting," Lidda said. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give it try."

"The artwork is there to inspire you and expand your consciousness. Go toward that to which you are most attracted. It may not be the place you feel the most serene, but it should strengthen your devotion, and complement your desires," Father Pen explained. "Once you have decided, select a prayer chamber. Spend a few minutes there daily if possible. Then we will speak again."

Lidda went straight to the chapel and did as Father Pen suggested. To her surprise, Lidda had no problem selecting a prayer chamber that very evening. It was decorated with a mural of a great black leopard leaping through flames with a colorful tropical bird in his mouth. Lidda wasn't sure what any of it meant, but soon found her daily ritual did have a calming effect and helped her stay focused.

She memorized several chants and asked Widhbo to translate, but he said the language was not in his program. Father Pen promised to teach Lidda the ancient language when he thought she would benefit but said understanding the words was not important and could actually be distracting. It was the rhythm and repetition which made the chants effective.

Overall she was contented with her spiritual progress, but knew there was so much more she needed to understand. Lidda was certain of one thing. She wanted to become strong enough to face the evil Widhbo had spoken to her about. She had to be able to look at the pictures he kept hidden inside and have the courage to confront whatever demons they represented. The demon she feared the most was the vast unknown of her own future.