Advanced Beings and a Fork in the Road of Evolution. Fidess

the best thing I’ve ever heard!» Noumat exclaimed.

      «And now,» Laurus said. «Sit down, close your eyes, and listen to your breath, leaving all your worries behind. We’ve undergone a severe experience, so we have to restore the emotional balance and return harmony.»

      They all did as Dream Seer had told them. Many of them succeeded, especially among those who had spent a lot of time accompanying Laurus on his journeys and had the chance to practice meditation many times.

      «Laurus,» Noumat said with a hint of annoyance in his voice. «No matter how hard I try to concentrate, I’m getting all itchy every time! What does that mean?»

      «Just try not to pay attention,» Laurus said quietly.

      «Try not to pay attention…» Noumat thought. «Easier said than done! Maybe it’s this energy that’s tickling me? Otherwise, I don’t know how to explain it.»

      Etan, Ichel, Dune, and other travelers looked concentrated and relaxed at the same time. They seemed to be successful at mastering the art of meditation.

      Ichel felt her body to become as light as a feather. She could not quite understand whether she was still sitting on the ground or started soaring above it. It was a weird feeling but she made up her mind not to open her eyes and keep meditating until Laurus told her to stop.

      She was impatient to see what would happen next.

      Etan felt vibration passing through his whole body and was no longer aware of the position he had taken. He ceased sensing his body as usual, as if it has lost all of its weight.

      And then, all of a sudden, Laurus told them to stop. The travelers did so, albeit with great reluctance: They grew quite fond of the state of meditation. This time no warning messages were received, and they were all ready to continue their journey to Pharaon’s settlement.

      Chapter Three. A Fork in the Road of Evolution

      It was hard to say how many days the travelers had spent on the road when they saw a familiar land in the distance. That’s it! Pharaon’s settlement was at a glance distance from there.

      Pharaon, his father Pharoum, and a dozen other men were staring intently at the approaching big group of people. Among them, they saw Etan and Noumat.

      «It’s amazing how many people they managed to bring along,» Pharoum said calmly, letting the wind kiss his face.

      «Well, they’ve spent so much time away with a good reason,» a contented smile lit up Pharaon’s face as he was looking forward to finally meet the travelers. «And the best is still to come!»

      Etan and Noumat rushed to hug their parents and friends. All the people of the settlement were happy to see them.

      While Etan and Noumat had been away, they had been living the same monotonous, uneventful, and boring life. Every day had been the same.

      «Pharaon!» Noumat ran up to him. «I am so glad to finally see you!»

      «It’s good to see you too!» Pharaon said as he hugged his friend.

      «You won’t believe what we have endured! We brought Laurus, a wise old man, and his fellow thinkers with us.

      Some of them will stay with us. Oh, and they possess thorough knowledge of incredible things and they want to share it with you and all those willing. Also, Laurus said that you are the chosen one.»

      «The chosen one, you say?» Pharaon said matter-of-factly. «And here comes my friend Etan!» Pharaon hugged the other one of his two close friends, beaming.

      «Listen up, everyone!» Pharaon addressed the people of the settlement in a deep, strong voice. «Travelers from far away came to us to greatly increase our knowledge. Some of these people will stay with us forever! Let us give them a warm welcome!»

      The people of Pharaon’s settlement were really happy to hear the news since their lives were incredibly uneventful. The days went by, one after another, as identical as grains of sand in the endless desert.

      What did the settlement look like? It didn’t take up much land. Its territory was covered with soft sands but the settlement was lying on the bank of a large and deep river with the blue water of incredible beauty, rich with fish, big and small, and thick bunches of moss. The river was everything to the inhabitants, and besides, its banks were covered with grass and bushes. The people of the settlement used its waters to cool off on hot summer days, wash their bodies and ragged clothes, or just enjoyed taking a swim there. The river served as their food source, mirror, the main attraction, and heart of the settlement with around thirty inhabitants, all of whom were still pretty young. However, now, just like any other summer, the river went low, and there was not much fish in its waters.

      Women mainly looked after children while men provided food for the settlement. Every day they hoped the next day would be better and bring joy and comfort.

      «My name is Laurus,» Laurus addressed Pharaon. «I am really glad to meet you! These are my fellow thinkers. We are going to spend some time with you.»

      «You are our dear guests that we’ve been waiting for so eagerly! Can’t wait to get to know you better,» Pharaon looked at Laurus, his iridescent eyes glistening with joy.