Page 30 of The Infinite Glade
The Goddess inhaled for three seconds, held her breath for three seconds, exhaled for three seconds. Such a simple thing; so important and powerful. “Yes, they have a way that they can communicate with others . . . and other Villas.”
“But how do you know?”
Explaining to a child the element of knowing was like explaining a Griever to a spider. It just is. “The Infinite Glade, Dear Sadina.”
“Oh . . . I think my great uncle Newt wrote about that in his book.” Sadina leaned closer. Of all the books in Nicholas’ library, he didn’t own one written by a Glader of Old. If he had, it would have been the city’s most glorious possession, its very pride. Next to the Maze, of course.
“Tell me about Newt’s book.” It was time.
“Sure. Can you first tell me about the Infinite Glade? I have another question.” Of course she did. Children and their incessant questions. Sadina took up more of the Goddess’ personal space, but she tried to keep her poise. She needed Evolutionary followers like this child, close to her. Under her influence.
“The Infinite Glade is the place in your mind where a vast field of nothingness and everythingness exists. You can steady your breath and slow down time to reach all the answers of the universe, wherever you are. We believe it evolved from the original Flare virus, after many mutations. It can evolve even more.”
“Is it something only Godheads can do?” Sadina asked.
“Yes. Historically. But only because the world has been far too chaotic. Soon, with the Evolution, it’s something that everyone will be able to do.” The tips of Alexandra’s fingers tingled at the thought. Little did they know the Cure was less a cure than it was anenhancement.
But they didn’t need to know that part. Not for a long time.
Sadina was obviously intrigued. “How do we travel there?”
“No travel needed. The Infinite Glade is always around us . . .” She welcomed the opportunity to teach Sadina as Nicholas had taught her all those years ago. Alaska may have fallen, but the Evolution would rise. “It’s the plane of existence where all things are born and all things die. We only have to quiet everything else to see it and hear it. And if you’re quiet enough . . . tofeelit.”
“Sounds crazy,” Sadina said with an embarrassed chuckle.
Alexandra pulled back. She didn’t like that—the insinuation that she might be on the same level as a Crank. “Crazy?” She ran the digits through her mind.
“Crazy as in good!” Sadina smiled.
“Tell us how we do it!” Trish leaned into the open doorway with Dominic and Miyoko behind her. Alexandra’s neck tensed and her shoulders tightened. Children took words that used to mean one thing and just redefined them to whatever they wanted? A lack of respect like that could ruin the very Evolution.
Alexandra reminded herself that the other children who’d joined Sadina were also from the island of Immunes and they, too, had elements of the Cure deep within their blood somewhere. The Goddess inhaled for three seconds. The ladies at the Villa would have their work cut out for them. She held her breath for three seconds. She just had to get the islanders there, and she could entertain stupid questions until then. She exhaled for three seconds. So important.
“Tell them what you told me.” Sadina pulled on the sleeve of the cloak.
Her mind flashed red. “You must calm yourselves, first. Silence and stillness is the doorway to the Infinite Glade. Your breath, slow and steady, is the path through that doorway.” Alexandra focused on her own inner patience.
The non-soldier boy touched all around the doorway of the cabin.
Alexandra shook her head. “The Infinite Doorway. In yourmind.” These children were simple, but they were moldable. They could be taught and guided in any way she wished, like the most faithful of Pilgrims. Her faithful Immunes. “Sit.” She motioned to Dominic.
Trish sat next to Sadina but the other two children hovered. “Sit down!” Alexandra said again, this time pointing to the floor. She straightened her back and rolled her shoulders. “You must relax.” She reached her fingertips over to Trish’s eyelids to close them. “Close your eyes. Inhale for three seconds, hold your breath for three seconds, and exhale for three. Hold nothing in your mind but let everything flow through.”
“How do you think something without thinking about it?” Dominic asked.
Stupid boy.Did she have the same idiotic questions for Nicholas all those years ago?Probably.“Clear your mind of nothing. Then you will see everything.”
“Yeah, I don’t get that,” Sadina complained.
“Doesn’t make sense,” Trish agreed.
“I’m not feeling it,” Dominic added just to make the resistance complete.
Alexandra tried not to let her annoyance show. “When your mind is clear, you’ll enter the Infinite Glade. All things will unravel to you. . . . You simply have to know how to ask for it.” She welcomed the silence as the children quieted their minds.
“Can we ask the Infinite any question?” Trish whispered.
“Like . . . if my mom’s still alive?” Sadina opened her eyes. The question and her alertness spooked Alexandra. Up until then, she had assumed Roxy was their only guardian.
