Chapter Three

Jensarie followed the beaten path through the Trees of The Healing Grove, until she reached the edge of the Lake. Nestled at the base of the lake lay the Keep of the Guardian of Innocence.

Diana, the Guardian, was the only Valley Dweller that Jensarie knew, who had travelled outside their valley home.The Guardians of Innocence had to travel to the rest of the kingdoms as part of their training after they had been chosen.
It was believed that a guardian must have knowledge of good and evil, to be able to help those who had lost their way in the journey of life.

Her power lay in the fact that she could help people who needed to be in touch with, or to reclaim, the feeling of joy and anticipation, that is experienced by children. She helped them to reconnect to the time when they were children and viewed life through eyes filled with innocence, astonishment and anticipation.

Diana, daughter of the earth and caretaker of the animals, had a special bond with the healers of the Valley of Longing. Sometimes the healer's love for the people they cared for clouded their judgement and without thought for their own safety and health they exhausted themselves in mind, body, and spirit. Then it became Diana's job to remind them of what it felt like before they had begun their healing journey.

Because Jensarie had just begun her journey of healing she had not needed to use Diana's special power. She had seen Diana help other healers and once had watched as she worked her magic on her mother when Adnil had become exhaused after a difficult healing of one of the villagers.

Diana was not entirely surprised to see Jensarie because her white owl, Roka, had alerted her to the fact the someone was approaching the keep. Her step quickened and danced lightly along the ground as she came out to meet Jensarie. As she drew closer she noticed the worried look Jensarie wore and immediately said, "Welcome Jensarie, daughter of Adnil, what brings you to my keep?". As Jensaie explained what had happened, Diana's expression became solemn. "My father has asked the healers to perform the ritual of The Healing of The Seven Chakras and asks that you come and give aid to the healers". "He believes that it will take all the powers they possess and hopes you can prepare their minds and spirits for the terrible task ahead."

Diana nodded and replied," Come into the keep while I prepare what I will need and we shall travel back to the Keep together." Has anyone discovered how the necklace was taken or by whom?". Jensarie shook her head and said, "We have searched everywhere, questioned everyone and no answer has been found".The two women entered the keep and Diana gathered her belongings.

Darkness was just beginning as they reached Jensarie's home and hurried to the room where Adnil lay. Dref was relieved when he saw Jensarie enter with Diana at her side. "Welcome Diana, come closer and attend to Adnil, for her need is great, and I fear I have been of little help." As Diana neared the bed, Adnil opened her eyes and a pained look fell across her face. "Blessings and peace on you Adnil, healer of Lake Dwellers. I have come to prepare you for what lies ahead."

Jensarie looked at her mother and was startled to see how dark the aura swirling around her had become in the short time she had been away. "Mother the sprites will bring the healers, they should be here at dawn. Diana and I will sit with you tonight and use whatever powers we possess to give you comfort."

Adnil looked at the people gathered there, her loved ones, and felt a deep saddness. Her dimming eyesight prevented her from seeing their true expressions, but her power as a healer still allowed her to view some of the auras surrounding them. She could see the colors of fear around them and wondered how much longer she would be with them if the healing did not work.

"Come sit with me Jensarie and sing me one of your happy songs." Diana moved to Adnil's head and lay her soothing hands on her. Immediately Adnil felt the cool healing touch and seemed to relax a little. Jensarie began to sing in a clear beautiful voice her mother's favorite song, and Diana began to work her magic.







The Lake Of Longing Story
©
40Something