About the Author 

Originally, from the UK, Jeannette migrated to Africa where she worked for a mining company. She then migrated to Australia in 1975.  

Currently living with her husband on a forty-acre property, they run a small herd of beef cattle; grow fruit and vegetables for their own consumption. 

Far Horizons – Distant Dreams, published by Zeus Publications in 2004, was Jeanette’s first book. Beyond the Far Horizon is the sequel.

Chapter 1:
Nightmares Steal the Senses

  The woman sat atop the large flat rock overlooking the Crystal Lake gazing into the clear waters from which its name was drawn. All the teaming life was clearly visible; fish swam languidly seemingly undisturbed by her presence. In an instant without noticeable effort, in a flash of silver the fish were gone. Her eyes searched the depths as she wondered idly what had caused this flurry of action. A platypus appeared, swimming busily its blue bill wagging energetically from side to side as it probed the bottom in its ceaseless quest for tasty morsels hiding there.

Raising her eyes once more, her attention was attracted by a pair of majestic black swans gliding silently by. A study of stately elegance in stark contrast to the noisy rainbow lorikeets bathing at the water’s edge, chirping and chattering as they splashed happily oblivious to all. Suddenly, in an iridescent cloud of flashing rainbow colours, they lifted as one, screeching their warning to the world and once again, her eyes searched for the cause. A slender form flowed effortlessly through the long grasses and the snake was gone in an instant as the woman gave utterance to her thoughts.

“Danger lurks, even in Paradise!”

A smile played at the corners of her mouth transforming her face, lighting her features as if from within. A riot of black hair tumbled to her shoulders, shining blue where the sunlight played in its ebony strands. Her eyes were a clear bright grey circled by black lashes, above her eyes the equally black eyebrows arched in a delicate curve. She closed her eyes momentarily before raising them to resume the study of her surroundings. The clear grey eyes swept across the panorama, her senses drinking in the beauty like a thirsty desert traveller, for she never tired of this fascinating view.

How she loved this place, for here she had found peace and contentment these past twelve years, happy beyond measure with all that her life had conjured within the confines of this valley: a love-filled existence shared with her soul mate as they walked together toward their unfolding destiny. For she was Morganna, High Priestess to the Great Goddess, destined to live as many lives as her Creator required. Her soul mate was Lancelot honoured champion of the Motherhood.

Her mind turned now to memories of her previous existences realising that the past led, as inevitably to the future as did the future lead to the past, for all things travel in cycles. She felt the familiar restlessness of mind and knew this to be the tug of ancient memories seeking freedom from the secret place that only the will of the Goddess could unlock.

She allowed her memories free rein recalling the birth of her son and the look on her lover’s face when he first held their treasured child. Tears had flowed freely from the eyes that studied the tiny sleeping face as Lance accepted this reward from their Goddess for their efforts in Her service.

Their companions in the valley were Vivian, her trusted teacher and friend reviled by the world as a witch and sorceress, Vivian’s lover Taliesin the bard and scholar of Arthurian myth. Percy trusted companion of Lancelot and fellow protector of the Motherhood, who had died in his efforts to save the Sang-Graal. Percy’s once-born partner Linda completed the adult register.

Together, this small group had reared and taught their children with loving care and when each child reached school age, they were introduced to the outside world through this medium. There were five children in all. Vivian and Tal had three; Melissa the eldest followed by the twins Eve and Nestor. Morganna and Lance had produced one son, Modred. Theo, the lone offspring of Linda and Percy made up the five. As she pondered these memories, Morganna wondered idly how much longer they would share this idyllic existence.

The sound of voices brought her sharply into the present and the High Priestess turned her attention to current events. From the position on the flat rock beside the lake, she could observe all her companions as they went about their daily tasks. Over in the orchard the tall statuesque figure of Vivian appeared as she gathered fresh fruit for the day. Her bright titian hair, slim figure and flawless skin belied her advancing years. As she left the shade of the trees, she was joined by her partner Tal and like his woman; he showed little sign of ageing, his back still straight, shoulders powerful and unbowed. As the pair met, he relieved his mate of the fruit basket and they joined hands turning and strolling toward the cottage.

Farther down the valley, Morganna could make out the figures of Percy and Linda as they turned the cows out after milking into the lush green paddock below the milking shed. This pair also joined hands walking hand in hand, as they made their way toward her. She studied them as they approached. Linda was a tall, willowy, blue-eyed blonde with the delicate features that often accompany such coloration. Percy was as tall as Tal, his frame was lean and wiry, straight nut-brown hair adorned his head. Still in their prime, the pair moved with ease over the rocks to where she sat.

“Good morning!” Linda greeted her friend, “How are you this morning?”

“Well thank you! And you?” Morganna replied with a smile, then waited knowing something troubled the pair.

“We were wondering if you would sit in on the classes this morning we are having a bit of trouble with Eve…” Linda paused as a small frown appearing between her blue eyes, “I don’t mean to complain but she is very wilful and hard to control and I feel she is disrupting the others.”

“Eve is different from the others; she is the only one who has had no recall of past lives. For some reason the Great Goddess has not yet opened up her mind so I’m afraid we will just have to wait for the breakthrough and be ready when it comes.”

“Umm! If it ever comes!”

“Rest assured it will happen when the Goddess is good and ready! But, if it pleases you I will join the class and observe the problem.”

“Thanks!” Percy joined the conversation, “You will understand our concern when you see what goes on.”

The three rose and strolled toward a large shady wattle beneath which the children sat chatting. Melissa the eldest was the image of her mother, tall and statuesque with flaming red hair and flawless alabaster complexion. At 18 years of age, she was nearing the completion of her training as a priestess in readiness for her next challenge to become understudy to Morganna. She would be the High Priestess on Morganna’s death. Her head was inclined toward her nearest companion and they were deep in conversation.

Without warning, the quiet was broken by an angry interjection; “Rubbish!” the word was spat into the air, “absolute rubbish! How do we know all this so called history is not just a figment dreamed up by our parents to make us toe the line…?” The speaker was Eve she stood quickly turning her back on the now silent group.

“See what we mean?” Percy whispered.

“Yes! Just leave it for the moment and I will ask guidance from the Great Goddess. For now I will take her off your hands and remove the distraction from the others.”

Morganna stepped forward into the group placing her hand on Eve’s shoulder, “Good morning everyone! How are you all this morning?”

While the other children responded in a courteous and civil manner Morganna’s ears picked up the small hissing whisper issuing from the pouting lips of the wayward teenager.

“None the better for seeing you!”

The fleeting smile that lifted the corners of Morganna’s mouth was gone before any registered its presence. She slipped her arm over the sixteen-year-olds shoulders and drew the girl into her side. Then turning to the adult pair she smiled and said.

“I hope you can spare Eve for the day. There is something special that I have in mind –”

“What?” The teenager’s head snapped up her eyes filled with interest.

“You’ll just have to wait and see…come; we will leave the others to their studies.”

Taking their leave of the group Morganna led the way back to the flat rock. Hoisting herself onto the smooth surface, she sat facing the water in her usual manner.

“Is something bothering you?” She enquired of the youngster, who joined her and sat glaring into the clear water.

“Yes!”

“Would you like to talk about it?”

“NO! Yes… I don’t know!”

“It might help. Have you discussed it with your mother?”

“It’s pointless discussing it with anyone here because you all think the same way. Rebirth and all that jazz! It’s all rubbish and you know it!”

“What has led you to that conclusion?”

“Nothing!”

Morganna studied the teenager. There was nothing critical in this. She was simply trying to understand the dilemma. It was obvious from the girl’s attitude that something troubled her deeply and Morganna sought a way through the wall that Eve had erected around herself.

Eve was different from her siblings, they were both tall and flame-haired like their mother, she was shorter and her hair was dark and curly. In fact, she looked more like Morganna than anyone else. The only real difference was their eye colouring, Morganna’s a clear and piercing grey while the teenager’s were such a dark brown they appeared black.

As Morganna continued her study she realised the dark eyes were clouded and tears hovered on the black lashes. She reached out touching the youngster’s shoulder.

“Eve! What is it? Maybe I can help.”

“No one can help me!”

“Child have you recalled something?”

“Yes…and it was awful….”

“What was so terrible sweetheart? We all have some horrendous memories to recount. Why should you feel that yours are any worse than ours?”

“Because you all seem to be able to find something positive in your memories…all I find is darkness and despair….” The dark curly head hung low on her breast casting a graphic image of despair more eloquent in expression than any words. So poignant was this picture that Morganna was moved instantly to take the girl in her arms and offer consolation. But Eve pushed her away angrily, tears coursing down her cheeks.

“Don’t touch me! Just leave me alone! You wouldn’t understand!”

“Child have you had total recall?”

“I don’t know…but if what I have seen so far is anything to go by I don’t want to know any more…” Eve buried her head in her hands and wept.

This crying was not wild or uncontrolled but echoed mute desperation like a trapped animal that had finally given up any hope of ever escaping its situation. Deep concern flooded Morganna as she prayed silently for inspiration. She tried once more to comfort the distraught teenager but the girl fought free and fled to the sanctuary of the tall trees along the ridge where she remained for the rest of the day.

Morganna was not too concerned for she was sure the Goddess would find a solution to this dilemma so she resolved to take Eve to the cave and seek guidance in the morning after the teenager had settled down.

However, with the dawning of the early morning light, much to everyone’s consternation came the realisation that Eve was gone.

Long before dawn after packing a few clothes, the teenager had headed for the highway quickly obtaining a lift with a truck driver, who had immediately expressed concern that one so young should be travelling this road alone.

“Are you stupid girl? Don’t you know you could get into serious trouble hitchin’ on this road?”

“I must get to Sydney as soon as possible. So can’t be too choosy how I get there.” She spoke politely biting her lip as her anger rose. Nosy old bastard, she thought, what would he know?

“Okay, but don’t you go doing this too often, not everyone is as nice as me.”

The fourteen-hour journey was uneventful and the driver drew in at a rest stop where they would be able to have a bite to eat and freshen up.

“Don’t suppose you have any money for something to eat?”

“Er…no…I didn’t think of that!” Eve mumbled.

“Typical!” The driver commented as he strode off to the counter. He reappeared moments later with a pile of sandwiches. They ate in silence and Eve watched the flow of traffic beginning to wonder if she had made the right decision. As they came closer to Sydney, the traffic increased until it seemed to Eve it was like a graphic depiction of her churning emotions. Fear rocked her mind and she was about to beg the driver to take her home when a young woman joined them at the table and cheerfully asked the truckie if he had room for another passenger.

“Sure have missy and maybe you can keep an eye on my young friend here. See she don’t get lost on her first day in the big smoke.”

“Not a problem, I could use a bit of company. How far are you going? I have to meet a friend down at the harbour. We are leaving for New Zealand next week.”

“Young people these days don’t take enough care, you could all get into serious trouble if it wasn’t for the likes of me…” The truckie shook his head sagely, grumbling under his breath as he rolled a cigarette, “Anyway I’m Ted Williams and this here is Eve. Don’t know your last name girl.”

“It’s Tallison! Eve Tallison! Hi!”

“Hi there! I’m Nimuë –”

“That’s a bit unusual,” Ted interjected hoping she would offer some explanation and he wasn’t disappointed.

“Yeah! It’s quite amazing what some people inflict on their children when they read rubbish like mythology.”

The trio laughed at the comment but Eve remembered the name well. It was one her mother mentioned often when telling of her days at Avalon. Nimuë was the trusted deputy, the one who filled the void whenever the need arose.

Introductions over, they set about eating their meal. When finished, they trooped out to the massive truck to continue their journey into the seething streets of Sydney. Ted drove down toward the harbour stopping constantly as the traffic increased.

Suddenly Nimuë announced, “We could walk from here if it would make things easier.”

“Sure would lassie if you’re certain you’ll be okay.”

“Yeah! No problem! Come on Eve, hop out.”

Soon the pair stood watching the truck disappear into the sea of traffic and Eve became aware of the hot stinking air that filled her nostrils and made her skin feel sticky and unwashed. What she wouldn’t give for a dip in the Crystal Lake! A cloak of despair descended as fear threatened to overwhelm her. Nimuë dropped an arm over the teenager’s sagging shoulders.

“Come on! No good standing there like a stunned mullet. It was your choice to run away and now you must make the best of it.”

“I suppose I must, but I didn’t think it would be like this. I remember the coast as being quiet and peaceful…with long stretches of sand and waves lapping at my feet…”

“My! My! We are waxing lyrical. When did you last visit the sea?”

Confused visions and thoughts tumbled through Eve’s mind as she tried to remember. Then realisation dawned, she had never visited the ocean in this life and she swiftly changed the subject.

“So where are we going to meet your friend?”

“This way little Eve and while we walk I will teach you something about life.”

Anger rose again. How dare anyone call her little Eve? It was demeaning to say the least, but she held her tongue for the moment.

As they walked, several cars pulled up and leering faces offered rides but Nimuë stoically refused, simply saying they were near their destination. When Eve enquired about this she laughed.

“You certainly have got a lot to learn girl. Never take a lift from strangers.”

“We did with Ted, he was alright.”

“That was more luck than good judgement. Some guys are okay but some expect payment.”

“Well, how much do they want?”

“Struth! Don’t you know anything? Just how sheltered has your life been?”

“I don’t know what you mean…” Eve stopped walking and gazed at her new friend perplexed and puzzled.

“Don’t stop now we are nearly there, I will explain when we can relax a bit.” They trudged on in silence leaving the concrete jungle behind as their surroundings evolved into a leafy bay side suburb. Birds sang amid the branches of the trees and brilliantly coloured butterflies fluttered among the blossoms. Eve heaved a heart felt sigh as she observed.

“I was beginning to think everything was made of concrete and steel.”

“Not quite! Look! See that inlet down there? That’s where we’re going. Oh great! Hec is there already…HEY HEC!” she yelled at the top of her voice. A tall, muscular Negro looked up waving in response, “You’re early for once in your life. What happened?”

 “Got a job. So we’ll be hard at it for the next couple of weeks.” His lilting accent betrayed his Caribbean origin.

“I thought we were leaving ASAP.”

“We are!”

“Stop being so bloody obtuse and explain.”

“See that little beauty,” he indicated a yacht bobbing gently at the rundown jetty that extended some twenty metres from the shore, “we’re going to sail her to New Zealand so we get a free ride over. That should save a bit! Don’t you think?”

“How on earth did you manage that?”

“It’s not what you know it’s who you know.”

“Great! When do we leave?”

“Whenever you like. Tide’s in so we could go now if you can manage to pack all your luggage before the water goes out!” He finished with a laugh knowing full well the bags they carried were all they possessed.

“Could we eat first? I hate sailing on an empty stomach.”

“I knew you were going to say that you –”

“Well you weren’t disappointed!” The cheeky rejoinder was quick to Nimuë’s lips.

“You always think of your belly when the going gets tough!” Hec finished his statement with gleeful satisfaction.

Eve observed the pair, laughing at their easy banter. It was clear to see they knew each other well. For the first time since leaving home, she began to relax, able to turn her attention from her own problems to watch the antics of her companions. They were an odd pair: Nimuë with short-cropped black hair and tanned skin looking as if she had stepped from a gypsy wagon: having large gold hoops hanging from her ears and several golden bangles on each arm. She wasn’t particularly tall and had a figure that could best be described as average. It was her face that drew one’s attention. Finely sculptured features of classic Asian beauty enhanced by smouldering almond shaped eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of the ages. Her colourful clothes and sturdy boots completed a somewhat incongruous picture.

The man might be a seaman: his head, chin and chest were covered with thick curling black hair. He was naked to the waist and muscles rippled as he moved. His teeth shone white amidst the black of beard and skin as the two friends swapped comments.

“How about showing some manners and introducing me to your friend?”

“Sorry! Hec this is Eve Tallison. Eve, this hairy creature is Hercules Champion. Commonly called Hec because he refuses to answer to the obvious shortening of Herc,” she added this piece of information with mischievous malice and Hec made as if to hit her.

“Who in their right mind would want such a name? School was bad enough thank you. But once I grew a bit,” he flexed his muscles as would a bodybuilder, much to the delight of Nimuë, “no one dared call me anything but Hec.” He extended his huge hand, which Eve took and he held on as he gazed deep into her eyes. Suddenly all the mirth was gone, a strange silence descending over them.

“Have we met before?” he asked and for the second time strange visions cascaded through her mind puzzling and vague. Nimuë watched with interest but immediately changed the subject.

“Come on you great hairy sod. Stop gawking and start loading. If we can eat before we make the heads I think my belly will be settled by then.”

“Yeah! Yeah! You do go on woman!”

“Someone has to keep you moving!”

“You and whose army?”

“Just shut up and move!”

“Okay! Okay!” He grumbled good-naturedly but his face still wore a puzzled expression as he moved away carrying their bags along the jetty to throw the items unceremoniously on the deck of the not-so-little yacht.

“Satisfied?”

“Charming!” Nimuë clambered aboard then offered her hand to Eve.

“No thanks! I can manage.”

“Fair enough!” A huge grin appearing on her face as the boat rose suddenly causing Eve to trip over the low rail and sprawl clumsily on hands and knees. Red faced, the girl sprang to her feet but Nimuë turned away as if unaware so that Eve could quickly regain her dignity.

“Cast off!” Hec’s booming voice removed any need to linger on the incident as Nimuë moved swiftly to the stern releasing the rope.

As if the craft was a living creature, it sprang forward seemingly in eager anticipation of the journey to come. Eve sat at the bow her legs over the side as she leaned on the railing. Excitement surged through her body and turning her face to the wind not caring that the spray would soon soak her through she gave herself up to the extraordinary feeling of freedom. At the wheel, the couple watched her closely.

“Who is she Nim? Is she who I think? Is she really Pandora?”

“Eve! Pandora! It’s immaterial she was the first woman and we have been selected to protect her for a while just to make sure she doesn’t get into any real trouble.”

“Hasn’t she had recall like the rest of us?”

“It would seem not…but we know nothing happens without good reason…”

“So we’ll just have to play it by ear and see what transpires,” the big man grinned down at his companion. “Should we let her folks know she’s okay?”

“I don’t think that is necessary they probably know by now that she is in good hands. She says her parents are Vivian and Taliesin so I presume they still have the power to speak with the Goddess. Come on Oh Hairy One! Let’s get something to eat.”

“You know the way to the galley woman! Get to it!”

After much noise and clatter, Nimuë announced that the meal was ready. They ate in silence watching the passing boats and occasionally waving to the other sailors.

Before long, they had passed the heads and the swell increased dramatically lifting their craft high on the crest and then dropping it between towering walls of water and the horizon vanished and only the sky directly above was visible. Hec moved to the wheel taking control of the yacht, which now seemed very small.

“Will it be like this for the whole trip?” Nimuë asked looking decidedly green about the gills as she shifted uneasily to the side of the boat placing both hands on the rail.

“Once we are clear of the heads it should be better.” Hec’s voice was full of sympathy as he watched his friend. Turning to Eve, he suggested she might check the First Aid Kit and see if there were any tablets that might help. The discomfort of her new friend prompted instant action and Eve went below, swiftly locating the First Aid box and rummaging through its contents until she found a packet labelled ‘Travel Sickness’. Then returning to the deck she offered the little box to Nimuë.

“Thanks kid.” She mumbled turning as she did to dispose of her lunch over the side.

“Quick! Eve grab a fishing rod! With good burley like that the fish will soon be on the bite!” Hec roared with laughter all semblance of sympathy gone. Nimuë groaned audibly and continued making her offering to the deep.

As Eve watched, she had a strange feeling that she had met this pair before. She felt at ease with them and from the dark corners of her mind, she dredged memories that demanded her attention. Then as if through a mist, she saw the big man fighting against a dreadful beast that reared and hissed as it tried in vain to corner him. As quickly as it appeared the image was gone and the teenager was left wondering if she was verging on insanity.

By now, they were through the heads and although the boat still rolled with the swell, it was easier to keep one’s feet and move about the deck. Eve fetched a bottle of water and Nimuë was able at last to swallow the tablets but she hung miserably over the rail.

Hec was busy steering their craft out to sea. He knew that they would ride better away from the coast. Soon they would pick up the wind that would take them to their destination.

Eve helped Nimuë below-deck, sitting with her until she fell asleep then returned topside and asked if there was anything she could do.

“Not a lot to do now so you might as well rest along with Nim because it’s going to be a long trip and you might need your wits about you tomorrow.”

The reply was not ungracious or patronising so Eve went below and took the top bunk. She had not realised just how tired she was and before long, the motion of the yacht lulled her into a deep and dreamless sleep.

The following morning saw Nimuë much improved and her cheerful smile greeted Eve as she awoke. “Good morning! Did you sleep well? You must have, to have slept this long.” Nimuë answered her own question.

The teenager glanced in amazement at her wristwatch. The time was five minutes past one. “I’m sorry I didn’t realise it was so late! Why didn’t you wake me sooner?”

“Don’t fret little Eve you must have needed a good rest and I wasn’t about to wake you. But since you are awake, we might as well have lunch and then Hec and I can teach you a bit about sailing. What do you reckon?”

“Yes! Fine! That would be great, and don’t call me little Eve I don’t like it.” The young voice was petulant, the face sullen.

“Sorry! Do you always wake up so grumpy?”

“Oh stop picking on me, adults are all the same always telling me what to do, say and think! Just leave me alone!”

“My! My! Aren’t we touchy?”

“Sorry,” the teenager mumbled, her face still dark with anger but she made a good attempt to change the subject. “You seem fine this morn…afternoon. Are you over your sea sickness?”

“Yes thanks! It always hits me on the first day but if I can sleep, it generally goes away the next day, as long as I can keep occupied. Now get mobile! Then we can get started teaching you the ropes.”

It was an uneventful crossing and by the end of two weeks, Eve had become bored. She had expected a bit more excitement than the trip had brought. “I shall be very glad when we get there. This is boring and I’m sick of taking orders from you two! Do this! Do that! Do the bloody other! I left home to get away from all that!”

“Oh stop moaning and just be grateful that it’s been a good crossing. These waters can be very treacherous.”

“I am! I just thought it would be more interesting!”

“Young people are never satisfied. Look out there and you will see the mountains just away to the starboard.”

“Where? Where?” Eve’s dull attitude changed instantly as she spun on her heel in the direction indicated, “Oh! I see under that bank of cloud.”

At that precise moment, a boarding party of gulls arrived and some small dolphins appeared as if to guide their passage. Eve stared with longing at the distant shore. Soon she would be free of these interfering strangers and then she could disappear into the woodwork where no one would find her. The craft moved closer to the shore and before long, they could make out a small cove.

“We’ll spend the night at anchor in there and maybe I can get a good sleep!” Hec observed with a laugh, “I could use a bit of undisturbed shut eye!”

“Good! We can do a spot of fishing, I could do with a change of diet I’m sick of tinned stuff!” Nimuë’s voice chipped in bright and cheerful, “What say you Eve?”

“Yeah! Whatever!” Eve mumbled the comment as her eyes eagerly searched the shore.

Before long, they were swinging gently at anchor as Hec caught up on his sleep and Nimuë busied herself setting the fishing lines. Eve joined the fishing effort and soon the warmth of the afternoon sun lulled her into a state akin to sleep. She relaxed against the side of the cabin but was disturbed by soft snoring as Nimuë drifted into slumber.

Now was the errant teenager’s chance. She moved silently to the cabin collected her backpack, which she lowered into the little dingy that floated behind the yacht, then quietly swung over the side and pushed away. She did not begin to row until she was well clear of the boat. When she felt the distance was sufficient she slipped the oars into the water and began to pull hard for the shore.

In less than twenty minutes, she had reached the pebble beach where she pulled the dingy clear of the lapping waves. Then without a backward glance, she pulled her backpack into position, headed across the beach and up into the low growing bushes situated on the foothills, which heralded the mountain range that had been visible from the yacht. Only then did she steal a quick look at the yacht. All was silent across the little bay so she headed off as fast as the terrain allowed.

It was fully twelve hours before her absence was discovered and by then there was little for Nimuë and Hec to do but retrieve the dingy and continue their journey to deliver the yacht. However, they vowed to return and find the wayward teenager.

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