A Taste of Catholic Fiction Part 7

A preview of the book The Arrow Bringer 

Chapter 3, part 1: The Wrong Choice

The next thing I know I’m in a dream, standing on a marble porch outside a majestic temple under a dazzling full moon. Great, glittering columns support the temple’s magnificent roof. Beyond the columns are immense, jeweled doors.

The doors beckon me. It’s like someone I’ve always wanted to meet is waiting for me. But if I enter those doors, there will be no going back to life as I knew it. I’m not ready for that… but I wish I were.

Approximately twelve city blocks to my left is a shining, splendid castle, with gleaming parapets and spires dancing their way into the sky. A huge stone wall protects the entire perimeter.

Instinctively, I realize two things. First, I’m standing within a palace city. Second, I’ve dreamed about this place every night of my life.

The breeze envelops me, bringing the scent of honey and roses. I follow the fragrance to the left. With every step, this place feels more welcoming, more familiar, and not just because I’ve visited in my dreams.

At last, I reach a marble enclosure. The wrought iron gate swings open at my touch, and I enter a garden about the size of my backyard. Curved benches line the wall, as well as rose-like flowers that caress me with their honeyed scent.

I approach the center of the garden, where I’m usually standing when the dream ends. Within it is a cylindrical silver pillar, entwined with jeweled vines. Atop the pillar rests a shining golden arrow.

And just like that, I realize… I’ve been here every night… waiting for something. Every night, I’ve forgotten this dream. I make a silent vow to remember this time, no matter what.

Suddenly, light swells in the garden, so blinding I shield my eyes. My heartbeat quickens because I don’t think this has ever happened. When the glow abates, there’s someone walking toward me, but he’s little more than a silhouette against the moonlight.

“Peace be with you, Evie.”

(This book will be available  3-19-19 for .99 on Kindle)