ALARM CLOCK DAWN (An Original Novel - Episode 40)

In the last episode a dangerous sitation was brewing at XenTek. It was becoming clear to Seth that Johann, giving in to his narcissistic tendencies, would be committed to build a lasting legacy at any cost.

Adam, having made his way to Ikeda’s camp the night before, experienced his first night of sound sleep that he could remember. Now that he’s away from the riggers of XenTek and the city his body and soul are healing in ways he’s not even aware of. Adam is now right where he’s meant to be, his life is finally in synch with his destiny. No longer is he living his life from a place of fear and anxiety...very soon he will take a quantum leap that transcends time.

I hope you enjoy today’s edition of Alarm Clock Dawn.

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Did you miss Episode 39 of Alarm Clock Dawn? If so click here to catch up.

Are you new to Alarm Clock Dawn? If so click here to start at the beginning.

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As he lay there, Adam picked up the scent of a burning fire and baking bread, two of his favorite smells. He could feel the coolness radiating from the red rock walls of the cave. He smiled and nestled into the security of his warm cot, a foreign feeling, almost like drunkenness, still clung to him from a full night's sleep.

While his mind drifted back into the blessed dream space that existed halfway between sleep and awake, a forceful thought pushed into the forefront of Adam's mind.

We've been with you since the beginning, waiting until you were ready to join us. I've waited a long while. The time is finally here.

Adam's eyes opened wide. “What the hell was that?” He looked around to make sure he was alone and when he was sure that he still was he could do nothing but ponder the words.

Adam slid his legs over the edge of the cot and felt that old familiar urge of creativity come over him. He quickly grabbed his leather bound notebook, slid the pen out of its sleeve, and began to furiously scribble.

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Words

these are words
simple words
that like slow Spring rain,
fall softly
to silence

a bridge between minds
yours and mine
are these words
that reach out
through time

to hold
a few precious
moments of your life,
these words.

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He whispered it back to himself as he always did before he closed the cover of the notebook. It had been years since his muse flowed so freely, and only now that it was back did he realize how much he had missed it. He sensed a great mystery gathering and something in him was awakening.

He ran his fingers through his hair, catching his reflection in a small mirror by his bedside. He grabbed the mirror to look more closely and touched the smooth skin of his forehead. What? There was not even a trace of the wound that was barely scabbed over just twelve hours ago. It was now healed completely, leaving not even a scar.

Adam yawned and then again his attention as drawn to the scent of a campfire burning. The next two thoughts that came to him were Evelyn and breakfast, in that exact order.

Approaching footsteps echoing off the cave walls interrupted his thoughts.

“Are you up, bud?” Bear’s deep voice growled as he rounded the corner into the alcove that Adam had slept in. Adam almost didn't recognize him. Bear had changed into a clean t-shirt and jeans. His red hair seemed three shades brighter and was cut short, and his beard was neatly trimmed.

“Yeah, I’m up. Wow, Bear, look at you! You’re a new man.” Bear looked fifteen years younger and Adam could now easily imagine him wearing the designer pinstripe suit he had described the day before.

“Hard to believe how much better a warm bath will make a person feel...they're serving breakfast out there, and those kids are ravenous. I suggest you get some before it's all gone.” Bear turned to walk away, the forced calmness of his voice just barely veiling the urgency of his morning hunger.

Adam ran to catch up to Bear, leaving the cozy alcove where he had gotten the best night's sleep he could remember. As he made his way further out of the cave he could hear the happy sounds of children laughing. Adam stepped from the cave into the daylight and saw the full beauty of this place for the first time. There was red rock as far as the eye could see, as well as evergreens and desert brush in varying shades of green. Suddenly, a group of about thirty small children came into focus, running about and playing near the campfire. It was then he spotted her. Evelyn was kneeling down, stirring what looked like oatmeal in a massive cast iron pot that sat on bricks right above the fire. Although dark circles of exhaustion framed her eyes in the golden light of dawn, he could see her true beauty.

Evelyn looked up at Adam as a ray of the rising sun lit up her light green eyes.

“How'd you sleep?” she asked.

“It was amazing. I can't remember the last time I slept so well.”

“Good. Today it will be very important to be rested. We're going to meet Ikeda, the spiritual leader I told you about in our online chats, in just a few minutes for your evaluation.”

“Evaluation?”

“Bear, can you please do me a favor and stir this oatmeal for me?” Evelyn handed Bear the heavy wooden spoon. He had a few children following closely behind him, obviously curious about this gentle giant.

Evelyn put her hand on Adam's shoulder as she led him a few steps away from the fire.

“Wow, there are so many little ones here,” Adam said.

Evelyn laughed, gazing at the sunrise as she responded. “Yes, there are. This is a very special group. Most of these children were orphans wandering the streets hungry when Ikeda found them. It's difficult to say what would've happened to them if it weren't for Ikeda. He feeds, clothes, and educates them. This is no small task. Most importantly, he's teaching them the old ways.”

“Old ways?”

“Yes, walk with me.” Evelyn linked her arm with his. “He's teaching these children meditation, survival skills, nutrition, and critical thinking. These little ones are simply amazing, a million times more capable than most adults back in the cities.”

“I can't wait to get to know them better,” Adam said.

“You know, not just anyone can get so close to Ikeda. He personally evaluates everyone and will send those who are not spiritually advanced enough on to other camps in the outlying areas.”

“Really, how can he tell?” Adam asked.

Evelyn stopped and faced Adam. “He will simply read you...your aura, your soul. You have nothing to worry about, believe me.”

Great, Adam thought to himself. He hoped Evelyn was nowhere within his sight during his evaluation because he knew if she was, his head would be chock full of impure thoughts.

“He doesn't read every thought, silly. He reads your spiritual energy. There's a difference,” she said, smiling coyly.

“Wait, how did you know—w-what I was thinking?” Adam blushed.

(All gifs sourced from Giphy.com)

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Tune in every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday for new episodes of Alarm Clock Dawn! The final episode including a MAJOR plot twist will be read by yours truly live at the first annual SteemFest in Amsterdam on Saturday, November 12th.

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Alarm Clock Dawn is the first novel of a trilogy. The sequel entitled, Truth Is Stranger, will be published in the Spring of 2017.

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