Where Fall the Stars?

Born in silence, where worlds collide,

in darkest depths of fires reside;

a race of elders worn from war,

who deep depths of space do explore;

search for worlds of wondrous light,

in hopes of peace the worlds unite.

In multitudes of eons past,

determined not to breath their last;

an accord they wish to strike,

with kindred spirits, souls alike;

who strive for knowledge of all things,

and the wisdom that it brings.

Sending emissaries out to all,

they welcome those who heed the call;

in this place where stars do fall.

Chapter One – The Nature of the Beast

            It was late August and the tourists had flocked as usual in buses, vans, campers and cars to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  Hermits Rest was as crowded as possible with cars and bicycles. The 2003 tourist season was in full swing and the park was making great income.

The sun settled slowly over the North Rim. The myriad of color that glowed above the horizon silhouetted the white clouds and glowed warmly in the late summer air.

            Sandy Hallowell pulled her denim jacket through the driver’s side window of the old Ford and watched as the gold and orange colors illuminated the layered stone of the canyon walls. Even now, in late August, the weather here grew chilly in the evenings. It must be the altitude she thought.

            As the last rays of light began to fade Sandra climbed back into the old white mustang and pulled from the parking area. As she cruised along the highway toward Flagstaff, she inserted the CD in the player and let the smooth sound of the violin wash over her.

            She knew the marriage had been bad, yet; she had been reluctant to surrender to the urge to break and run until this morning.  Bobby had taken to staying out at all hours of the night and she had finally had enough.  The smell of the other woman was all she could bear.