I went through with the ark, I have learned a valuable lesson. Evidence that contradicts the word of God, even evidence I see with my own eyes, eventually falls and crumbles.”
“But should we not revere evidence when ”
“Shhh!” Noah lifted the lantern and blew out the flame. Since they were so far back in the recesses of the cave, the chamber fell into complete darkness. “Keep your eyebeams off for a moment, Makaidos, and tell me. If I were not speaking to you, what would evidence tell you? Am I here in this cave with you?”
“If not for your voice, I would conclude that you are not here.”
Noah’s tone softened again. “Yet you believe because of what you have learned in the past, what you saw in the light.”
“That is exactly why I believe.”
“Good.” The lantern flashed back on, its wick blazing as Noah pinched a flint stone in his fingers. The glow highlighted every deep crevice in the old man’s withered cheeks. He lifted the lantern and stood face-to-face with Makaidos, letting the orange flames sway between them. “What you have learned in the light, my friend, never doubt when it is dark.”
Makaidos stared at the flame. The tongue of fire seemed to try to speak, as if it were a real tongue, carrying on its undulating glow the truth that only light can bring. After a few seconds, he bowed and backed away. “I will remember, Master Noah.”
Chapter 9
THE WORLD ABOVE
With Morgan leading the way, Mara and Mardon ascended a winding corridor. Morgan marched quickly along the craggy stone floor, her black dress sweeping noiselessly in time with her gait. The light from her lantern danced across Mardon’s face, revealing worry lines on his brow. His lips twitched on one side as his eyes stayed riveted on his dark leader.
Mara scooted closer and listened to his rasping breaths. Was he frightened of Morgan? He didn’t bat an eye when he lied to her about needing his new assistant to “observe the plants in the upper lands and learn how spawns differ from them in color, texture, and animation.”
But now he seemed nervous as a bat. Was he worried about what the glass egg was going to say when they arrived? She grasped it through her dress pocket. It felt warm against her leg, and the heat radiated into her hand, like a polished stone from the riverbed in the hot springs. But it seemed to have its own heat source, as if it had birthed a flame in its core instead of an embryo.
As they ascended, the air grew colder. Mara rubbed her bare arms. This wasn’t like the cool sensation of getting out of her bath in the springs. This felt different. It was raw, unfriendly, stark. She hoped the air in the upper world would be more inviting.
The tunnel widened into a circular room, and Morgan stopped at the center where a shaft of bright green light stood like a column between floor and ceiling. Mara gaped at it. The shaft appeared just wide enough for her to stand inside and be completely enveloped in light. Its texture seemed so thick she could scoop some into a cup and drink it.
Morgan pointed her long finger at Mardon. “You will go first. If we sent her, who knows how long she would have to wait alone for you to arrive?”
“True,” Mardon said. “The time shift is unpredictable.” He smirked at Morgan. “Since when do you care what happens to a laborer?”
“I don’t care for her sake. I know what she carries in her pocket, and I know what your plans are. Did you think I actually believed your ridiculous story?”
In spite of the cool air, tiny beads of sweat speckled Mardon’s brow, but he held his head high and stared at Morgan. “And you’ll still allow us to go?”
“Yes. I am not a shortsighted woman. The Ovulum’s presence will help bring about my long-term goals.”
Mardon swallowed but kept his gaze locked on Morgan. “The Ovulum?”
Morgan laughed. “What a fool! You don’t even know what kind of power you’re dealing with.” She brushed her hand along his cheek, a wry smile spreading across her face. “But you will soon see.”
Morgan moved her hand down to Mardon’s back and gave him a not-so-gentle push. “Enter the portal.”
Mardon stepped into the bright column. The green radiance enveloped his body, seeming to swallow him until he looked like