The stone stands at the center of the busy town, with a four way intersection. Shops, cafes and a beautiful church with a large metal gate surrounding it. Serenity gasps at the beauty of the cathedral and steeple.
“It’s lovely isn’t it? We never grow tired of visiting. Its three o’clock, if you hurry you should be able to catch the last tour.” Hand in hand they walk away and join the laughing group of people. The sun is beginning to set, so she hurries to the gate and steps through, walking down a cobblestone walkway and into the church.
She joins a group standing at the back and listens to the guide, “St. Carlisle’s Parish church was officially opened in 1881. It is seen as one of the finest examples of Lombardo Romanesque churches in Ireland. The bell tower rises to a height of one hundred and twenty feet, above the richly detailed limestone façade. Outside you will see a statue of St. Michael, on a pedestal between the main doors. Above the doorway is a mosaic of Christ the King, with the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet…” The guide’s voice fades as Serenity is drawn to the statue of St. Michael. The group moves further into the church as she steps back outside and looks at the statue.
“Michael? That’s not possible,” she whispers to herself. The statue bares a remarkable resemblance to Nick and Michael!
“All things are possible,” a deep voice says beside her. A monk stands beside her in rich brown robes. He smiles in greeting and extends his hand. “I have been waiting for you, Serenity.”
“I’m sorry, have we met?” Serenity asks as she takes his hand.
“No, but we must hurry. If you will follow me, I will show you the way to the walk.” He says turning away he hurries down the steps, pulling her along with him. They walk along a gravel walkway towards a sign which reads, St. Carlisle Cemetery. He uses a key to unlock the gate, urging Serenity through. Then he quickly relocks the gate, before resuming a fast pace walk once again.
“Okay, this is getting creepy. I’m supposed to follow you through a cemetery?” she says planting her feet and effectively stopping him in his tracks. When he turns around his eyes flash purple and Serenity is dumbfounded.
“I’m sorry, my name is Daniel. I am a guardian.” He turns and begins walking through the stones, careful not to disturb the graves. This time she follows quickly.
“Wait! I don’t understand, Daniel. How can you be a guardian and where are you taking me?” she asks frustrated.
“I am taking you to meet my Saint. No more questions until we are safely inside.” At the back of the cemetery, is a small run down stone building which looks like a tool shed. He opens the door and Serenity steps through, praying she is doing the right thing.
As the door closes, darkness surrounds her and soon she hears the sound of a match being struck. The orange flame, grows larger as Daniel lights an oil lantern. “You are safe, here Serenity. Follow me, please,” he asks and walks to the back of the stone room pushing open a door.
He leads the way down some stone steps into a large stone hallway and Serenity can hear water running. His steps are quick and sure as he hurries along the corridor until, finally, Serenity can see a light ahead. When he comes to the end of a tunnel, she is surprised to see a lush courtyard surrounded by a green maze.
“It’s not much farther,” he promises as he leads her further inside the garden maze. They move swiftly through the maze until she is too confused to even think about finding her way out. When he finally stops walking, Serenity bumps into him.
“I have brought her to you,” he explains in a hushed tone. Daniel steps to the side and Serenity is greeted by a beautiful woman sitting on a wooden bench.
With upraised hands she smiles and says, “Well done, Daniel!” Serenity is tongue tied by the ethereal beauty of the woman in front of her. Her long red hair blows in the wind as she moves and her emerald green robe swishes.
“I am Adare, Saint of Ireland. You have met Daniel, my guardian. Welcome Serenity!” she sings and kisses each cheek.
Serenity stares dumbfounded. “I don’t understand. I thought Nick and Noel…?” Adare sighs deep and looks at Daniel.
“We haven’t much time, I’m afraid. Ayva will be here sooner than we thought.” Daniel explains.
“Okay then, we walk, and talk.” Adare loops her arm through Serenity’s and begins to guide her past the bench, “I am not sure what Nick has told you so I will give you the crash course, It was decided after Ayva attacked, that it was unwise to put all our power into one Saint, and one Guardian. What would happen to the world if they were destroyed?”
Serenity stumbles along and listens, grateful for some answers, Daniel follows listening quietly as she continues leading them deeper into the maze.
“Noel prayed and received a gift, granting her the ability to locate each Saint. The Saints were each granted a Guardian to protect them. In the last ten years, three of our Saints have been murdered by their own guardians! Ayva has managed to persuade some of our Guardians to join her. If she succeeds and reaches the fountain, her powers will be impossible to defeat. We will help you to the well, and buy you the time you need to escape. She must not win, Serenity!”
“Why didn’t Nick tell me this earlier?
