Crystal Island

After we all had our fill of dinner The Mother suggested to Nathan that he set a large fire so we could all relax and talk a little. Eli helped him start the fire in the pit that was beside the stove, and then he and Nathan dragged the chairs around the fire. The Mother brought over a beautiful tea set with steaming hot tea and honey. She offered a bottle of whiskey if anyone wanted, but we all passed for now. The hammock was close enough that Sara opted for that. She looked tired but I could tell she wanted to be here too. She had taken the little quilt with her and covered her baby against the night air. Nathan had returned from the house with a larger afghan that he placed around her shoulders. He also brought Mother a beautiful shawl that suited her perfectly. He asked Eli and I if we were OK against the night air and we assured him that we were fine, but thank you. When everyone had their tea and was comfortable it got awkwardly quiet for a few minutes then The Mother cleared her throat, which got our attention. Up till now we had assumed she was from one of the islands because she had a slightly different accent than an American. But as she started speaking this time her voice sounded very American and very well educated.

“As I told you, I am one hundred and twelve years old. I was born here much the same way that Sara's baby will be born. Our culture is unknown by the outside world and until now we were instructed to leave it that way. We are older than recorded history as you understand it to be. There is a gene in our bloodline that passes from a male donor to the first-born female in every fifth generation. This female is born with a gift that stays with her throughout her life. With this gift she is able to communicate with the animals and our ancestors. We have the ability to travel in time with our inner spirit, but we only do this in dire situations. Our ancestors advise us and protect us. We can communicate with all warm-blooded animals. We don't speak like this; it's more like I can see what they see and can feel their emotions. Their eyes are invaluable for bringing us visions of approaching danger. I rescued many of the animals that are here while traveling your beautiful country. I am not the only person with the gift. There have been many, but we have a strict code about utilizing this gift. We can never use it for personal gain or the consequences can be severe. We are to use this special gift to see that nature's bounties are protected. We can only use the gift on another human being if we have their permission or they are in danger for their life. We all have our own destinies to fulfill while we are here. We all have many lessons to learn."

She paused a minute to sip her tea then continued. “We never ask something of another without payment of some kind. It can be a material item or a deed that is needed or just a kindness extended at a critical time. I chose the two of you because of your love for each other and your inner strength. You've used your talents to honor nature, you Eli in your stone carvings and you Ada in your quilts. The dolphins knew this and they have shown me. I had to betray your privacy by reading your thoughts, and I now ask your forgiveness. I favored you with the bounty this island has to offer because I have something very important to ask of you. When Sara has passed I will need you Ada to take care of the baby, I am far to old to keep up with a toddler. I will not be here for her time of maturity, but I trust you to see her through her learning time. Her gifts need not be taught they are inherited. I will explain this better when we have more time. The night the baby comes,  nature will test us with all that she can send our way. If we are strong enough to pass the test then the baby will survive and all will continue in harmony."

The Mother stood again but motioned for us to stay seated. She put a little bit of whiskey in everyone's teacup then refilled them all with fresh hot tea. "Now I'm going to tell you both what you need to hear but it won't be what you want to hear. I have been shown the damage from the meteor storm and tidal waves. The world population was close to being totally destroyed. The United States lost two thirds of it's population and half it's land mass. Other countries did not fare any better. Half of Africa and Australia have been devastated, Asia was totally destroyed and the European continent was bombarded so bad that where whole countries used to be now stand great bodies of water. Our island survived only because we are in the Bermuda Triangle. The same magnetic force that has baffled pilots and sailors for centuries saved us by deflecting the meteors away from us. We still had the earthquakes and tidal waves to contend with. We were a family of twelve here before the storm, now we are only three plus the two of you. There are survivors all over the world but only a fraction of what it was. We can all rebuild and the human race will continue. Technology will change because the old resources will be changed. Mankind has the ability to advance with the new technology and the planet will be a better place for it. This I have seen for our future, but the future will have to wait for mankind to regroup and this will take many years. Meanwhile the child will grow and learn as will all mankind."