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Archiving rights granted to Fictionmania, and Crystal's Storysite. All others by permission only. A Past Life Revisited By: Donna Allyson (c) 2001 Prologue: To many in the ancient world and to some extent even in today's enlightened society, the belief that we have been here on Earth before is deeply rooted in tradition and religion. Most however have come to believe that we are here once and will reap some reward or punishment in the afterlife based on the life that we live now. Others believe we just go into oblivion. Markus Henning was one of the later. He was a pragmatist that accepted his mortality as an act of natural chance. He was not an evil man by any measure. Rather he felt obliged to live his life to the fullest and when his time came to become a memory, so be it. He would soon make an astounding discovery that would drastically change his life and his perspective on his mortality. Chapter One, The Discovery Markus, better known to his friends and associates as just Mark had decided to take a vacation for the first time in five years. His only recreation had been the weekend excusions to Mt Washington. There he could park on one of the cutouts on the Auto Road and use thermal updrafts of the "thousand" foot face of Tuckerman's Rivine for his jump off point. Flying his hand crafted Hang Glider was his passion and he enjoyed it as a means of escape from the stress of high paced management. The sense of total freedom was an exillerating and at the same time spiritully calming experience that he never tired of. Lately however he just could not seem to get the time to make the trip to the mountain. At thirty five years old he was starting to feel the strain that being CEO of Henning Industries was having on his health. Not that he had any life threatening illness or anything like that, it was simply one of mental exhaustion. Not wanting to head off into that final oblivion that he was sure was everyone's fate, he decided to take the doctors advice and take a three month sabbatical. Acapulco was just the place to get as far away from his work and still be in a modern civilized environment. The International hotel in downtown Acapulco was on the edge of the Market district which sat in the shadows of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on the North and the Financial district to the West. The white pristine beach was to the east. The South, well we won't go there. Marcus had been watching the girl for close to an hour. From his vantage point at the corner table of the outdoor caf? he had a good view of the girl sitting by herself at the railing that overlooked the square below. She was very pretty. Her olive complexion without a blemish. Her hair was raven black and ran almost to her waist and appeared to be as smooth as silk. Her white sleeveless dress radiated golden brilliance in the early morning sun as it rose upwards in the eastern sky. She was stunningly beautiful. What intrigued him most was that such a lovely creature would be sitting alone for so long in such a romantic but public place. Surely she was waiting for someone to join her. After close to an hour and no rendezvous took place and the girl made no effort to leave, Mark's curiosity about the girl got the best of him. She offered him the opportunity that he needed. The girl called the waiter and Mark could tell from the motions that she had ordered another beverage. The waiter nodded and headed towards the door next to where Mark was sitting. Mark called the waiter over and Told him to bring the lady her drink and to put it on his tab. The waiter soon returned and set the beverage in front of the girl. She looked towards Mark and nodded her head. She made just the slightest motion with her hand held a white scarf. It was an invitation to join her. Mark did not miss the cue. Picking up his glass of cappuccino, Mark worked his way across the patio. He had taken his eyes off the girl as he paid attention to winding his way through the maze of spotlessly white wrought iron tables in his path. When Mark looked up to look to where the girl was seated he became confused. Sitting where he thought the girl was near the railing, he only saw an elderly gentleman and his wife. The girl was no where to be seen. "Excuse me Sir, Ma'am, I was meeting a girl here. She was here a few moments ago. Did you happen to see which way she went? She had long black hair and wore a white dress." Mark asked the couple politely. "I'm sorry Sir. My wife and I have been here for half an hour and we didn't see anyone like that." The man replied. Mark was confused. The girl had been here. At this very table just moments before yet the Man and woman were obviously finishing up their breakfast from the looks of the table. "Thank you sir. I must have been mistaken. Please, pardon my intrusion." Mark said as he gave a slight nod of his head to the woman. Mark spotted the waiter that had collected the drink for the girl. When he inquired of the waiter as to where the girl had gone, he got the same response. The waiter insisted that he had not seen the girl or taken an order from her. Mark shook his head as the waiter walked away giving Mark a sideways glance. "Loco." The waiter said under his breath. "Must have been the margaritas last night." Mark said to himself as he paid his bill and decided on a morning walk in the market place. It was Sunday morning and the two most important activities for the people was to go to one of the three churches that framed the area and then the to market. Sunday or not, life in Acapulco had to go on. Mark not being the religious type had no need for church but the market place was teeming with activity and bargains. Mark headed in that direction. He had almost reached the first vendor when he saw Her again. She was headed in a side door near the rear to the basilica. Too far away to call out to her, Mark headed across the square towards the door of the church. As Mark got close he realized that this door was seldom if ever used. It was right on the edge of the narrow sidewalk but it appeared to be old and rusted. The door had an old hasp and padlock that appeared to be right out of the seventeenth century. The padlock was open. Mark opened the door after a great deal of pushing. It was apparent that the slight framed girl had not opened it herself. Mark was a fairly strong man and he felt the strain of opening the rusted door. He closed the door after he entered. He was standing in a long corridor. The walls were stone and the floor black slate. It had a old musty odor of poor ventilation. Yet the walls and floor was obviously kept clear of any dust. he could hear the reverberations of the organ somewhere far off. There was a dim light at the end of the corridor which to Mark's calculations must be somewhere near the center of the basilica basement. He walked towards the light. Mark passed several dark chambers off each side of the corridor. There was no light from the rooms and the doors were all shut and locked with the same type of padlocks that was on the outside door. Mark was getting a little uneasy. It was as if he was expected. No one had been through this corridor from the outside in years yet he seemed to just walk in. Mark walked to the end of the corridor. There was a stone archway that lead into a medium sized chamber. In the center was a raised dais about four feet high and about three by six feet rectangle shape. The entire dais was covered by a white linen drape the had a gold edging along the outer flat top surface. In the exact center sat an inverted golden cone about six inches around at the base by six inches high. On the top of the cone was an ice blue crystal that emanated a strange blue and white glow. From the top of the crystal shone a single brilliant blue/white laser like ray that shot straight up at the ceiling. Mark was dumbfounded. There did not seem to be any ceiling. The walls and the ray seemed to go off into eternity. "Impossible. There is a whole church above this spot." Mark said to himself. He could not help but be awed by what he saw however. This was straight out of the Twilight Zone. Mark regained his senses and looked around the chamber. Then he saw Her. She stood there in what appeared to be an alcove set in the wall. She did not move. She was surrounded by blackness yet she herself was illuminated in golden light that only seemed to exist when Mark looked at her. When he looked away her image faded. Mark walked towards the alcove, The girl's image radiant in the light. He reached the wall and extended his hand towards her, he had to touch her. Mark pulled back his hand quickly as he realized that his hand passed right thru her. It was as if she was no more than a hologram. "What is going on here!" He exclaimed out loud. "This is not real, it can't be." Fear accentuating his voice. "Oh, but it is princess. Quite real." The voice came from behind him. Mark spun around so fast that he almost fell. An icy fear gripped his stomach. The image stood beside the dais. A man dressed in a floor length robe of the most beautiful colors. He wore a loincloth of golden material and on his head was a headdress of the golden feathers. His biceps encased in gold bracelets. Mark immediately recognized the costume of an Mayan warrior chief. At least that was what he conjured up in his mind. "Who... who are you?" Mark asked with a stammer. He had totally missed the name that he had been called. I am Tahematsech. Ah kin (high priest)of the Golden city of Uxmal, guardian of the Fire Mountain. "You have got to be kidding." Mark replied. He was starting to think that someone was playing an elaborate joke on him. Probably some of the guys from the main office. "I do not joke Aloya. I came to bring you back. You have not completed your union. The Fire god is quite upset with you." The image said. Mark looked at the image. He was not looking at Mark but rather at the girl standing in the alcove. Mark could not understand why but for some unknown reason the image was addressing the girl but responding to his voice. "What union?" Mark asked testing his suspicion. "Aloya, you should not have run away. The fire god was waiting for you in the pit. You were to be his bride. Why did you not jump into the fire pit as you had been prepared to do?" The image responded. "I was afraid. I did not want to die in the fire pit." Mark heard himself answer. He did not understand why he said that. It was as if he had no control. "Come Aloya, you know that no one dies. We only go from one life to the next. You are to become the bride of the god of the Fire Mountain and will never die again. Come. You must come back" Said Tahematsech, his hand outstretched. To Mark's surprise the girl in the alcove started to walk towards the apparition. As she past him she looked into his eyes with a great sadness. Mark followed her as she approached the crystal and reached out to touch it. Mark made a decision. He could not let her go to wherever it was that the guardian has demanding. Mark reached out to grab the girls wrist just as she was about to touched it. Mark's hand went right through hers. The girl smiled a knowing smile as she pulled back her hand and faded away. All the casual observer would have seen, provided there was one, would have been Mark touching the sarcophagus of a long dead Mayan chiefs. Mark then disappeared. The door on the sidewalk vanished. The ancient tomb was again silent. No one knew that the basilica had been built on the foundation of a long forgotten Mayan temple. There had never been an access to the structure above. ++++++++ In the chapel of the cloistered Sisters of Devine Mercy which was a separate walled off part of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception there was a small shrine. It had been build 300 years earlier when the cloister had first arrived. The Sisters of the convent had dutifully cared for this shrine to the Virgin over the centuries. To them it was a sign of the universality of Her protection of all people of faith. Chapter two. Past Life. Mark felt no pain, as a matter of fact he felt quite at peace with himself. He was not aware of the ethereal radiance that had transported him to this place. That is if you can call it a place. Para-psychologists would be more apt to call it a spiritual dimension outside the normal space-time continuum. Mark sensed he was in the center of a room of blue crystal. The walls and floor seemed to radiate it's own light. The ceiling was more like a cloudless sky on a fair day. The sun above was there in the center. It was neither hot nor cold. Mark could look straight at it yet it did not blind him. The light however shined on the walls and shimmering streams of blue rays burst out of the walls and onto the floor with the effect the whole room dazzled like blue diamonds. Mark thought it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. It was like the anteroom to Heaven itself. "Peace Aloya, I am very pleased to see you again my child." Said the voice. A voice sweeter and softer than any he had ever heard before. "What?" Mark said in utter surprise as he turned toward the voice behind him. "Who are......" Mark stopped his question when he saw who was addressing him. "Not possible!" Mark exclaimed in-voluntarily. His senses in full opposition to what he saw. "Why are you so surprised Aloya?" We have met before. Remember the Field of Contemplation where I last appeared to you. It was then that you dedicated your life to me and I save you from the pit." "Look Lady." I don't know who you are, though I know who you are trying to make me believe you are or why you keep calling me Aloya but I am Mark Henning, not some religious nut. And I would sure like an explanation for all this strange stuff that has been happening and where I am." Mark was acting belligerent but in reality he was getting scared. The lady smiled. Mark felt an immediate calming effect. Her countenance radiated into his very soul and he felt truly sorry for what he had just said and how he had said it. "I know who you are Mark. I have been with you since you were born and the seven other lives before that. I have had to watch over and protect you all those years so that this time of fulfillment could come to pass." "I don't understand? What seven lives?" Mark asked, his voice now trembling in fear. "They are not important. Those lives filled the time from then to now. Markus, do not fear. I have much to tell you before you meet with the evil Tahematsech again. Take my arm, I will show you what it is you must do and tell you why." Mark reached out and laid his arm on the Lady's blue tunic. The room vanished. Mark found himself standing on a hillside overlooking the plain below. The Great Pyramid of the Magician stood tall. It was alive with people climbing the great stairway that lead up to the alter. The great city of Uxmal stretched in all directions around the temple. Mark turned to look at the Lady with trepidation. "Fear not Aloya, they can not see us. Nor will they be able to unless you accept my request." "What request?" Mark asked without demanding. "Soon Aloya, soon I will explain. Come let us go down." Mark looked around where he stood. It was vaguely familiar yet he had never been here before. "Yes Aloya, do you see that ancient tree near the rocks? It was there that I first appeared to you. That was many centuries ago yet only yesterday." "Why do you keep calling me Aloya?" Mark asked. "That is because that is who you are. Aloya, virgin daughter of the Ahau (king) Montumach. Look." The lady pointed at Mark. Mark was dumbfounded. He looked at his hands and clothing. He looked at his feet. He ran his now delicate hands over his body and let out a gasp. The white flowing dress reaching his sandals. His long black hair blowing out in the breeze. Mark touched his breasts. They were small but firm. It was then that he realized the truth. He had become the girl that he had pursued so vigorously just a short time earlier. Then he understood. He had been pursuing himself. "I don't understand. What have you done to me. I'm a girl." "No Mark, you are Aloya. That is who you really are. The soul that came to me so many years ago and then did not do what I asked you to do. It is for that reason that your soul has had to wander through so many lifetimes waiting for the right moment to correct what you did not complete." I am now giving you the chance to complete your life and finish what it is that you need to do. It is then that you will stop your wanderings and return home. Think Aloya, remember the time." She placed her hand on Mark's forehead. "Remember." The Lady in blue said these things so sincerely that Mark/Aloya could almost feel them weight down on her. It was then that he remembered everything. Aloya remembered, Mark observed. ++++++++++++ Aloya was the brightest of the Ahau's daughters. Since there was no male heir, tradition dictated that Aloya's older sister Jancheya would become the queen someday. Aloya would marry the son of a chief of another tribe and her father many grandsons It was on a warm day in the seventh month that the strange great sea canoes with the wings of the gulls first appeared in the distance. Many of the people had been afraid and went into the jungle to hide. Many more ran for the protection of the gods when the Man-beasts with four legs and two heads and metal chests like unto gold had come into the village. Aloya was intelligent and recognized that they were just men on strange beasts of burden. Much like the llamas used by the people of the high mountain tribes. These strange pale skinned men with there large poles of golden crossed sticks seemed friendly enough and it was soon that the people lost most of their fear. It was the thunder sticks that made the people think they were gods. At first Aloya was afraid but it was not long before she started to understand who these men were. Just another tribe with more knowledge. Aloya had to learn more. Her innate curiosity was insatiable. In the course of the cycle of six moons, Aloya had learned enough of the stranger's language to be able to converse with them. This made her a valuable asset for her father the Ahau. It was their strange but gentle worship of the unseen God of the crossed sticks that intrigued her the most. It was not necessary for them to worship their God with the spilling of blood. He did not demand a virgin sacrifice as did the god Witz at the time of spring equinox nor did he demand a bride be offered at the time of the seven year solstice. He had his own beautiful lady. Aloya had seen her image in stone outside the worship house in their village, ++++++++++ "I don't understand." Mark said as he turned to the Lady. "It is as if I knew all about Aloya. But how." "My child, you remember because that is who you are. You have always been Aloya as you appear now. Time is a non-existent thing to the Father. It is only a tool by which His mortal children measure their lives. Yours has not been completed but it must be. You are to be His instrument to rid the world of the evil practice of human sacrifice. You will tell the people of me. I will take you back to that time long ago. To the time after I first appeared to you. I will let you choose another course. Remember, I am with you and will talk with you again." The lady put her hand on Mark's head, smiled and disappeared. Aloya stood at the gate to the white men's village. Chapter 3 Father Fernando; The Explanation Mark smiled, actually he laughed inwardly at the ridiculous position he found himself in. He would have surmised that he had finally had a mental breakdown had he not known better. Here he was, a virgin princess, daughter of an Mayan king, just having had a vision from "The Virgin" herself and now standing at the gates of a Spanish conquistador's fort with a mission, to learn how to stop the Mayan practice of Human sacrifice. The scenario was right out of a Hollywood movie script. Mark was amazed at how much he remembered about his past life as Aloya yet he could think of himself as he was in his life as Mark. Then he realized a most important fact. He was able to recall the past and still apply his knowledge and skill from the twentieth century. He had an advantage but he would have to be careful how he used it. Mark sensed a feeling of deji-vu. He had stood here, before these gates once before only this time, he, Mark was here as well. Aloya had come here to see the man called Father Fernando. He would be able to tell her of the Lady that had come to her in the field. Mark knew who She was but he was powerless to stop the events that had happened once before. He was determined however to change the outcome. Mark still felt trepidation. He was now a young girl in an alien land with only his wits to aid him, her. Aloya was the most beautiful of the Mayan women. As she walked thru the gates and along the edge of the muddy road towards the mission building, Aloya was aware of the soldiers that watched her. She knew that any one of them was capable and willing to take her virginity. It was only for the rule of Captain Chavez that prevented them from doing their way with her. Inwardly Mark found the prospect thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Mark now understood how women felt during his own time when he would be in their presence and he would look at them with his own sense of lust. Mark felt ashamed of this. Aloya stopped in front of the Mission. She had never gone inside before. The Ah kin Tahematsech forbade it. "Screw him." Mark said inwardly-- Aloya walked in the door of the mission church. It was not much of a building. Bare stucco walls with some small paintings on the walls. The floor was of dirt with a few wooden benches down the center. There was small alter at the front. Nothing like the alter at the top of the great pyramid. There was an image of the crossed sticks on the alter made of fine gold color. A brown robed man knelt in front of the alter. Aloya stood in the doorway and waited for the man to finish his prayer. "Good morning Princess. I am surprised to see you here but you are welcome." From the doorway, Aloya had been watching the soldiers training in the square. At the sound of the voice she turned back to see the monk standing beside her. "Hello Padre Fernando. I'm sorry, I was watching the soldiers and did not want to disturb you." "You did not disturb me Aloya and it would have been alright if you had. I have plenty of time for prayer in this forsaken place." The priest answered. A forlorn tone to his voice. "You do not like it here father?" "Here? in this land? Yes my child. It is just this poor excuse for a church that I dislike. If Captain Chavez would part with some of his men, I could build a decent church. But, enough of my ranting child, what can I do for you? Are you in trouble?" "Father, I am not sure. I have a long story to tell but I am not sure whom I can trust. I need your promise that what I tell you will not be retold without my permission." Aloya said with as much seriousness as she could muster. Father Fernando was a man of God and had much integrity. His promises were inviolate in his own mind. he could tell from the girl's voice that she was much troubled. "Aloya, there is a tradition in my faith that a priest such as I am can hear another's confessions and if done in that manner can never be repeated. It is called a Vow of Silence and if broken, a priest will be condemning his own soul. If you wish, I will listen to you in that manner. For you to partake of this sacrament, you would have to accept my faith and be baptized." Mark thought of this offer. He had been baptized in his own life, although he had rejected the belief, he had second thoughts now. Considering the recent experiences, Mark decided that he better change his ways. He whispered into the mind of Aloya. "Yes father, I will accept this." Aloya said softly. "Praise God. Come." The priest said. Aloya was baptized and immediately went into the small room used as a confessional with the priest. She related her story of meeting the Lady in the Field of Contemplation. She also told him about Mark and the second meeting with the Lady. Father Fernando was silent. Each time Aloya mentioned the Lady he made signs the sign of the cross and mumbled words in Latin that even Mark could not understand. Mark knew that what she was saying was giving the priest great trepidation. When she had finished there was a long silence as the priest just sat and studied her. "My child, I am at a loss for words. What you tell me leads me to the conviction that you have been greatly blessed. Why I don't know but if what you say is true, you have been chosen in a way that very few humans are ever privileged. You must return to your people and wait for the answer." "Father tell me about the Lady whose image adorns the garden outside?" "Listen my child and I will tell you about her and her Son." The priest said. For several hours Aloya listened and Mark was renewed, all his training as a child came flooding back. He became scared at the thought of what he had just learned. If the Lady was truly real and not a figment of his imagination, Aloya, (himself) was probable going to become some sort of native saint some day if the story ever got out. Mark shuddered at that thought. Chapter 4 The Ahau, Father Mark walked back to the village. He knew that way. It was so familiar to him it was as if he had lived here all his life. He was aware of the cool sea breeze as it gently caressed the thin material of the dress he wore. His hair blowing into his face as he walked along the path on the edge of the cliff. Aloya had always felt comfortable with herself but Mark took notice of everything that effected this strange feminine creature. How could he have possibly have done that deed in his past life. No creature so beautiful should have had to resort to suicide. He was determined not to let it happen again. He had a second chance and he was not about to blow it again. To this point, he had been along for the ride. Aloya had done exactly as she had done before. Mark had to find a way to take control. He knew that he had to become Aloya completely if he was to change the course of events. +++++++++++ "Daughter, have you been to the white man's camp again?" her father asked as she entered the house. "Yes father. I saw the soldiers training in the square. They seemed to be gathering much weapons. I think they are preparing for a march. It did not look good but I was not able to learn where they are going." Aloya said truthfully. She did not mention seeing the priest. " Hummm, I will send the warriors out and watch them. you did good my daughter. You must be careful. I think Tahematsech is watching you. He does not like our people associating with the strangers, especially since you are a tribal princess. I think he has you in mind for his bride." "But you are the Ahau. How would he dare say anything about what you allow? I certainly don't want to marry him" Aloya asked. revulsion in her voice. "He is Ah kin, Aloya. You know that I have only some influence over him. If he was to tell the people that the god of the Fire Mountain was angry, I would have no say in what the god, thru Tahematsech, says. The people would follow his commands." "I know father, but Tahematsech is such an idiot. I can not understand why he stays as high priest. I fear he is an evil man and capable of much grief for our people." Aloya responded. "He must do something evil in the god's eyes to be removed. I can not do it alone. The Tribal Council has to do that. They meet tomorrow but I have no reason to oppose him." The king said sorrowfully. "Go, help your sister prepare the evening meal" The king added, ending the conversation. Tahematsech sat outside his abode. He had seen the princess return from the white man's camp. he was not please. He knew that if she went there to often, she would not want to become his wife. The wife of a high priest was not allowed to venture from the temple. She was only to serve her husband, help with cleaning and preparing temple, and make babies. Tahematsech knew that Aloya was a bright girl. She would become a rebel if allowed to mix with the strangers. Tahematsech needed to make his move soon or it would be too late. He decided to make his proposal to the Ahau the next day at the tribal meeting. No warrior would dare oppose him. He was Ah kin and had precedence over all other single males. Only the Ahau could oppose him, or Aloya herself. "She wouldn't dare refuse me." He said to thin air. "I wonder if the man part of her will like what I have in mind?" Tahematsech reached under his loincloth and rubbed his hardened manhood in anticipation of his conquest to come. Chapter 5 The Chosen Princess Aloya (the former Markus Henning) was required along with her sister the High Princess Jancheya to greet the lesser tribal chiefs as they entered the Council ring. This council of the Mayans met once per solar cycle prior to the feast of Witz, the god of the Living Mountain. The chiefs of the other great cities, Tikal, Tukum, Palengue and others gathered to discuss and plan the peoples needs, to make war or establish trade with the other great peoples such as the Aztecs or the Incas to the south. This was to be a special council meeting. This was the tenth year of the Cycle of Gratitude. It was on the tenth year that the council would choose a bride for the God of the Fire Mountain. The virgin bride was given to the god from among the daughters of the captive nobels. Aloya was saddened. It was this very practice that the Lady had said must stop. She had told Aloya that it was to befall her to make this happen. The Lady had told her that she would tell her what to do. Aloya was frightened, she had not had any further instructions as to how to do this and the time was drawing short. Aloya was thinking of this when Jancheya came into the bed chamber. She was excited. "Aloya, I heard that there are no virgins among the captives. The chiefs are going to pick a Bride for the god from one of our own tribe's girls. Isn't that wonderful. Such an honor. I wish it was me." Aloya was horrified. She could not believe that her own sister would consider such a horrible way to die. "Jancheya, are you coming down with the head sickness? That is crazy. All you would get is death. You don't really believe that nonsense do you?" Besides you and I are too young to be chosen. Aloya responded with great concern in her voice. "You forget little sister, when there are no captive girls then the council must choose one from our own tribe, even as young as ten cycles. You are ten cycles plus six and I am a year older. We could be chosen." "I hope not sister. There is no god in that mountain. Only fire and death. Besides, you are Prime Princess and unless father has a son before he dies, you will be Queen and that eliminates you." Aloya said with some confidence. "Aloya, do not let the Ah kin hear you say such things. He would demounce you to the council. You could be chosen as the bride and that would give great honor to our father and to our family. Jancheya answered with sincerity. She did not have any concern other than the family honor and to please the Fire god. "If the Ah kin denounces you as an unbeliever you will be thrown into the well of fire. Even a princess can be denounced as an unbeliever" Aloya/Mark trembled at the though. She prayed that her sister would not mention this to anyone. It could very well breed some consideration from the elders. "Oh please my Lady, help me with this terrible thing." Aloya/Mark prayed within her mind. Mark for the first time learning how young a girl he had become. He had become Aloya. There was no turning back. +++++++++++ That night, as she slept, the Lady came to her. "Sleep Mark. I will make this easy for you. Be Aloya, be yourself. You will choose the right path. Do not resist. You are only fighting yourself. Use what you have learned from your other life" She laid her hand on Aloya's brow. The girl stirred but did not awake. +++++++++++ In the distance the the mountain trembled. The magma deep within the volcano slowly found a path and pushed up between the fissure. The magma increased the pressure on the granite ledge, pushing it aside. The low rumble and the slight shaking of the ground only increased the peoples awareness that it would soon be time to give the Fire god his bride and assure the people that his wrath would not be visited upon them. +++++++++++ Jancheya and Aloya, dressed in golden fabric dresses and outer robes of blue and white, and wearing the traditional red and white headdresses reserved for the royal family, sat on small thrones at the entrance to the Temple's Great Room. Janchaya's throne in front of Aloya's. It was there that each chief and his son, if they had one, would pay homage to the King's heir. In this case, since the King had only daughters and neither was married, each unmarried son of a chief was a potential candidate for the princesses. At this ceremony of welcome, the young warriors princes were allowed to offer a document of proposal to the princesses. Each in turn in order of importance would bow before the thrones and lay a written proposition at the feet of the princess of his choice along with a gift. The girls were not allowed to read the documents or touch the gifts. This was reserved for the Ahau only. Had the heir been a male then it would have been the chiefs that would have presented a document and gift for their daughters. Tahematsech, due to his rank, led the line of chiefs and their sons to the thrones. Tahematsech paid his respect to Jancheya as was required and then bowed before Aloya and laid his proposal at her feet. He looked up at her and smiled. He looked deep into her eyes conveying his desire and with it his warning if she refused. "We do this again Princess." He paused and smiled again. "Ah, I see, you do not remember. Just as well then. It will make things easier." Aloya cringed at the thought but held her dignity as a royal princess and just smiled back and nodded her head in acknowledgment of his offer. She noted his attire. She had seen it before but could not remember when. She did not understand his remark. This was the first time she had been required to sit in welcome. She wondered at the meaning of his words. ++++++++ Mark remembered. 'Not again Tahematsech. I will not let it happen again.' He said to himself. The Ah kin looked up at the young princess for a brief moment then smiled evily. "Ah, so you are in that pretty head? This will make things very interesting Markus. I hope you enjoy being a girl. I will teach you even more." Mark looked through Aloya's eyes at the priest. He was shocked that the man could read his thoughts and could speak to him without talking. He would have to be very careful. "Not a chance idiot." Mark thought back. "We shall see girl, we shall see." ++++++++ Since Tahematsech had made his choice, no other prince dared challenge him. All other documents were laid at Jancheya's feet. Aloya was perplexed. She knew that she could not refuse Tahematsech. To do so would cause much trouble for her and her father, yet she knew that she could not accept this evil creature as her mate. Nor any man for that matter. She did not know why she felt as she did. She only knew that she was not ready to accept being a wife to anyone. At least, not for now. Aloya closed her eyes and saw a sarcophagus. There was a man in strange clothes and he was reaching out to her. She saw Tahematsech, he was standing beside the man. Tahematsech wore a mask of anger and fear but he did not move. The vision faded as the horns blew. ++++++++ That part of Aloya that was Mark knew that this was a repeat of the events that lead to him being here. He was slowly remembering everthing of Aloya's short life. He knew what she would eventually do that would cause her to wander the centuries looking for redemption. History was being repeated. The critical decisions had yet to be made. Mark understood what it was he had to do. He stopped fighting and allowed his mind to meld with his alter ego. For a brief instant Aloya saw the Lady in her mind. She was smiling. Her arms outstretched. Her foot firmly pressing a golden feather into then ground. ++++++++ The chiefs and their sons stood on each side of the entrance to the council ring and waited for the princesses to be escorted to their places next to the king in the council ring. The handmaids collected the proposals in woven baskets and took them to the King's Personal Master, which was equal to a Royal Minister in some tribes. The Master in turn whispered to the King that Tahematsech had made a proposal to Aloya. The King frowned at that news but said nothing. He had thought it would be Jancheya he would seek since she would someday become Queen. He was surprised that the Ah kin had selected Aloya. In a way he was relieved that Tahematsech had selected Aloya. He could not accept the idea of Tahematsech becoming Ahau by marrying Jancheya. He did not like Tahematsech. He was sure that the Ah kin would only use his position for his own benefit and not because he cared for the people. He grieved inwardly for his beautiful Aloya. Her marriage to Tahematsech would have to be a sacrifice for the people's benefit. There was only one alternative and the King could not bring himself to even think of that course. The Council session lasted into the night. The formalities out of the way, the women were escorted to the big lodge to help prepare food for the chief's banquet. Aloya was also required help with the preparations as she was not Prime Princess. To her fell the duty of preparing the Ahau's table and floral arraingements. This gave Aloya/Mark a small quiet time where he could come together with his thoughts. Mark was now feeling at ease with his integration with Aloya. He was becoming acutely aware of this young female body and it's needs and it's sensations. The soft fabric of his attire coupled with the cool breeze on his skin was a feeling that he found quite soothing and comforting. He did not like however, the sense of vulnerability that he felt being the center of the Ah kin's attentions. He was now quite aware that he and Aloya were now one personality. The two lifetimes merged. Aloha knew everything and remembered everything about both experiences as if they had always been so. It was a time to plan her course in obedience to the Lady. Chapter 6. The Plan Brews Aloya lay on her straw bed and thought about what she was going to do to be obedient and stop this practice of human sacrifice. She pulled her manta around her body to preserve her warmth. She knew her father the Ahau did not believe that killing an innocent was going to help the people. He did not believe that Witz, a Bacah, (one of the important gods)lived in the fire mountain but his people did because that is what the priests told them. Those that did not believe in the fire god were to were afraid to oppose them. Aloya knew that she could not hide from Tahematsech in the old Toltec temple used by the virgin priestesses of Ix Chel, the fertility goddess, as she had done once before. Even Tahematsech dare not transgress on those protected by Ix Chel. Those who sought Ix Chels protection, and once granted, could never leave the sanctuary of her temple grounds. It had been there that she had pined away and ultimately took her own life rather than have to stay there forever. But, Aloya knew that she could not agree to become Tahematsech's bride and as a result, he would probably do as he had done before an offer her up as a bride of Witz. Tradition said that she could only refuse that honor if she belonged to Ix Chel. She had to devise a plan that would save her from this terrible delemma and at the same time rid the people of the Ah kin and the evil practice of human sacrifice. This time Ix Chel was not an option. It was the hour before dawn when Aloya calling upon her knowledge inherited from Mark, devised a plan. She knew it was dangerous and could backfire and this worried her. "The Lady said she would help me. I hope she keeps her promise." Aloya said to herself as she dressed in a her prettiest huipel (wrap around dress) and with stealth not to wake her sister, slipped out of the house. She used the public waste cistern at the end of the small path to relieve herself and then walked out onto the main road. ++++++++++++ The Spanish had named their village Santa Maria de Aguillar and it was there that Aloya needed to go to implement her plan. She could not trust anyone in her city to make the things she needed. That part of her that was Mark looked about the city with new eyes as she walked down the broad road. She knew that the Maya were slowly reverting to an agricultural civilization and were abandoning the ancient ways of great city building. Here however the trend had not taken hold completely and the miracle that had allowed this great empire to be built in the first place an ocean away from the great cities of Christendom was a wonder in itself. She felt sad at the knowledge that the Europeans were going to exploit this land, eventually destroying the Maya just to fulfill their lust for gold and silver. She knew that no matter what she did, history would have it's way. It was the thought of the people who would be sacrificed in the meantime that was paramount in her thoughts and the reason for her determination to go against her traditions and ally with the Spanish. Mark felt confident. Although Aloya's personality permeated his mannerisims his own thoughts and knowledge were intact and he was able to control all physical actions. He was a man in a young girl's body, yet he remembered all that he had learned in this lifetime as Aloya and respond accordingly. It was a nice but strange melding. Mark followed the road towards the tunnel that came out on top of the high cliff that looked over the fire pit that simmered on the side of the Fire Mountain. It was here that those maidens who were to be sacrificed would be lead out to the edge of the cliff and then pushed into the hot bubbling murk below. There had been a time when the access road to the top of the crater was still in use but it had long since been decided by the priests that the fire pit as an acceptable alternative except in cases where a member of their own tribe was to be offered up. In those cases, it was a greater honor for the tribe if the sacrifice was made at the the mountain top. Aloya/Mark had to make sure that this did not happen. He needed the cave for his plan. Mark inspected the tunnel and the cliff closely. He found what he was looking for. The lighter vein of soft sandstone that coursed thru the harder granite. It was barely perceptable but Mark did not miss it. The vein coursed thru the tunnel wall and down into the outcropping that served as the floor of the edge of the pit. Mark smiled when he saw the solid granite overhang above the tunnel's exit. There was room only for two people on the outcropping, the victem and the Ah kin. The flat wall behind the ledge would serve nicely for the device and still remain out of site until needed. Observers would be standing on the road on the opposite side of the pit which afforded an unobstructed view of the cave opening and the ledge high above. Mark knew he had one shot at his plan otherwise he would be vaporized instantly if he was pushed into the broiling mass of molten rock and sulfer below. His smile turned to a frown when the pit belched a loud expulsion of gas and steam. The sulfur odor rising up and assailing his nostrils. "What a horrible way to die." he said softly. He was even more resolute in his determination to end this practice. Shaking his head, he returned back thru the tunnel and walked towards the Spanish camp. "Now if I just don't screw this up." He said to himself as he looked towards Captain Chavez's quarters and then went to the church to seek out Father Fernando. She knew that what she was about to do would separate her from her people if they found out, but the results would justify the means. ++++++++++ Aloya entered the small adobe church. There were a few soldiers just leaving and they gave her a sideways glance that left no doubt what was on their minds. "Pigs. Go to Mass and then forget it all when you walk outside. "Your no better than the Ah kin." She muttered low enough that they did not hear her. Aloya walked to the front of the church. Father Fernando was busying himself with arranging items on the alter. It was when Aloya knelt down and moved a small pebble on the floor that he turned and saw the young princess kneeling. "Father, we need to talk." Aloya said. The monk came forward and placed his hand on her head and said a few words of prayer. "First the Eucharist Aloya and then we talk." Mark recalled and uttered the responses as the Eucharist was prepared. The priest raise his eyebrows at that. "I have not taught you that Aloya. Where did you learn that?" "I told you about Mark, Father. He knows those words." The priest fell silent. He crossed himself and then reached down and took Aloya by the elbow and helped her to her feet. "I believe we do need to talk Aloya, or is it Markus?" The priest asked. "Both Father, Both." The girl responded seriously. *** For the next hour Aloya and Father Fernando sat on the comfortable chairs in Captain Chavez's quarters. The Captain said very little as the girl and the priest related their story and the plan. Finally his two guests waited for his response. Captain Chavez was a man ahead of his time. He was a very devout man and the entire story about the Lady had piqued his interest. He was however skepticle of the idea that this mayan princess was actually both who she appeared to be as well as the embodiment of a man from four hundred years in the future. Such claims in Spain could get her burned at the stake by the Inquisition. "So let me get this straight, You claim to be a man by the name of Markus Henning and you came here from the year 1999 at the bidding of the High Priest, entered the body of a Mayan princess who you really are and then had a vision of the Mother of God who commanded you to end the Mayan practice of human sacrifice. Does that sum it up?" The captain said with some scepticism in his voice. "You make it sound simple Captain but I assure you there is more to this than just that. I haven't figured it all out yet but yes, that is a simple summation." Aloya answered firmly. "And now you want me to help you carry out this plan of yours? You know that if you get caught you will be branded a traitor by your own people and even your father will not be able to stop Tahematsech from having his way with you?" "That's just it Captain. I have to be caught in order for the plan to work. I can carry out most of what I have to do but I need your help with aquiring some needed materials and two of your most trusted soldiers to help me with the setup before I do get "caught". Besides, I have the Lady to help me as well. Aloya, Markus, whatever your name is, I will help you only because the good Padre here believes you and I can not afford to take the chance that you did see the Virgin and this may be Her plan and I may find myself on the wrong side. Understand me young lady, I will not let this interfere with my duty to the King of Spain. If you can not pull off this plan of yours, I will not step in to save you. I sure hope you can do as you say and fly away. At least if you do it will prove to me that you are who you say you are. "I hope so to Captain, The alternate is not a pleasant thought." Aloya handed the Capitan a parchment on which was listed the materials she needed and how the blacksmith was to fashion them. "Capitan, It is imperative that these be made exactly as I have drawn them. The capitan looked over the drawing for a minute and then set it aside. "This will not be a problem. I will have them made and my men will place them as you have asked. I will inspect the cave and place the charges myself. I hope you know what you are doing girl. "I hope so too Capitan. I can think of no other way. Thank you." Aloya said as she gave the captain a curtsy and turned to leave the room. "For a man that was quite a feminine gesture Markus.: The Captain quipped. "Right now Captain, I am not feeling very masculine." Aloya countered as she looked back over her shoulder at the Spaniard. "Padre, I must return to the city soon. I need to speak with you some more before I leave." "Si my child, Capitan, if you would excuse us." With a slight wave of his hand the officer indicated he was finished. Chapter 7- A Plan forms Aloya and Padre Fernando sat at the rough table in his dwelling and looked at each other in silence for several minutes. The priest waited as he watched this "visitor" from the future. "I'm going to fly off that outcropping Padre. Do you remember the legend about the goddess that would return to her people with a message from the gods and that she would come on golden wings? I am going to do exactly that." "But how my child? No man can fly like a bird." The priest asked incredulously. "Padre in my time, men can do exactly that. We have learned the art of mastering the wind. I have done so on many occasions." Aloya replied. "Aloya or is it Mark? Even if you could do as you say, The high priest would not give you the chance. If you are chosen to be the sacrifice he will not let you be alone at any time." I know that Father, that is why I have to prepare in advance before I give Tahematsech my refusal of his marriage offer. Your help as well as that of the Capitan is critical." "Then I will help you. You must be very careful. This is a dangerous course you have set upon but if it will end the evil practice of human sacrifice then it is worth it." The priest said softly. Yes father it is but remember, The Lady said she would be with me. The priest blessed himself as he heard the mention of the Lady. "Amen Child. I hope she is who you say she is. " Father, can you get me this material? She handed the priest another list. The priest looked it over and sighed." "This is just about all I have child. The alter in the church will be bare for a long time but yes I can get you what you ask." ********* Tahematsech sat on the edge of his sleeping pad. His hand slowly rubbing his manhood. He was sure that this time the young princess would not escape his grasp. He had been quite displeased with her escape to temple of Ix Chel and subsequent taking of her own life rather than be his bride. He had invoked the ancient spell that had allowed him to find her in her future life. He had been surprised when he had found her in the body of a man. It would now be even more enjoyable when he took her and the man inside had to submit to him. Tahematsech knew the girl planned to try to escape again. But how? That he could not read. She somehow had a block that prevented him reading her mind. It did not matter, in a few days he would have her regardless. He would wait until the ceremony of sacrifice and then he would make his move. What he did not know was that he was not able to read Aloya's mind, only that of Markus. Now that the two had merged into one, even that was denied him. Chapter 8 Preparations. Aloya spent the next two days at home. She did not want anyone getting curious about her frequent visits to the spanish settlement. She had given the capatin a detailed set of drawings on the frame for the device and hoped that the blacksmith and trusted men would follow the drawings to the letter. At best, from the materials that were available Aloya knew her chances of surviving in such a crude hang-glider were next to none. But still, if the golden silk material provided by the priest did it's job and the frame was sturdy, she might just pull it off. From the ground, the people would see a girl on golden wings soaring out of the smoke. The prophecy would be fulfilled in their eyes and Tahematsech would have to yield to the demands of the Goddess. ******** The ceremony of sacrifice was two days away. Aloya/Markus had to go to the ledge and check that all was ready. She prayed that the Priest and the Capitan and his men had done their part. If not, it was too late to make any changes. Aloya rose early in the morning. She noticed that her sister Jancheya was not laying on her bed. Aloya had hoped that she could quietly get up and dress and leave without anyone noticing until she after she was gone. Aloya took a goblet and squeezed some fresh fruit and took the beverage out into the garden. Jancheya was sitting under the trees fully dressed. Aloya felt apprehensive. This was quite unlike Jancheya who as a rule would sleep quite late. Jancheya looked up and smiled as Aloya came thru the open doorway into the garden. "Good morning Aloya. I see your dressed and up early as usual." The older girls stated. "you know me Jancheya, I always rise early. I do like the cool early mornings. It is always the best part of the day. Why are you up so early?" Aloya replied slyly. She knew that Jancheya had something on her mind. "I wanted to talk to you while we can be alone." Jancheya said softly. "About what." "Aloya, I'm not stupid. I know there is something strange going on and that you are part of it. You have not been yourself for days. What's bothering you. Why are you always going into the spanish village? What is it that you are up to? If you are in trouble I can help." Jancheya asked running the questions together in rapid succession. Aloya knew that Jancheya could be trusted. They had always been close confidants as children. Aloya had refrained from telling her sister anything so that she could not be considered a conspirator if Aloya's plan had been discovered. "Nothing is bothering me Jancheya." Aloya lied. Aloya was feeling the weight of her plan bearing down on her. She had not had a visit from the Lady in days and she was even starting to wonder if she had ever talked to her. Maybe, Aloya thought, that her vision was all in her head. Aloya so desperately needed to talk to someone she could trust yet she did not want to endanger her sister. "Don't tell me that Aloya. I know you too well. There is something wrong. I can feel it." The princess replied. Aloya knew that she could not fool her sister. Sighing she turned to Jancheya and smiled sadly. "Can I tell you a story Jancheya? Promise me you won't laugh and that you won't tell anyone else.?" "Aloya, I would never laugh at you. Maybe with you but never at you. I promise I will keep your secret." Aloya sat down under the tree next to Jancheya. She took her sister by the hand and looked her straight in the eyes. "Then listen to what I have to say. It is the truth even if it is hard to believe." Aloya said. "It all began.........." Aloya spent the next hour telling Jancheya everything and what she needed her to do. ************ Jancheya fell silent as Aloya concluded her tale and plan. Aloya watched her sister as she sat with her hands about her knees rocking back and forth, her head buried in her knees. Finaly she looked up at Aloya, tears running down her face. "This is crazy Aloya. How do you expect me to believe all this? If you do this you will die. Father will be disgraced. And, this talk about some Lady you saw in a vision, how can I believe that?" Jancheya said almost hysterically. "Because my sister, you do believe me or you would not be so upset." "But what you ask me to do could get you sacrificed for sure if you fail. I can't do this Aloya. I don't want to lose you." Jancheya said as she reached out to embrace Aloya. "I will not fail Jancheya, I have a special protector as I told you." Aloya said. Inwardly hoping that the Lady would keep her word. "Now please, will you help me." Aloya asked pleadingly...... Jancheya hugged her sister. "I will do as you ask Aloya but I am sorely afraid. Ask your protector to help me also. If she does this, even I will embrace her teachings as you have." Aloya/Mark whispered a silent prayer. The two girls, their cheeks touching, allowed their tears to mingle. ************* Captain Chavez inspected the work that his blacksmith had done. The frame was made mostly of native bamboo and fastened with good quality hemp bindings. It was in three sections that would need assembly when it was taken to the mountain. It was a strange device and he could not understand how anything so flimsy and covered with just some silk material could do as the girl said and make a man fly.. Shaking his head, he sent for his two most trusted men. "Suicide, this is just a sure trip for her to the lava pit." The Captain said to himself. "Well not my affair. I will take this contraption to the cave after dark and be done with it." ************* Chapter nine "Betrayed" It was Mark's mind was in control as he that silently slipped out of the city and made his way to the tunnel in the mountain. He needed to be sure that the captain had kept his promise and had placed the make-shift hang-glider where he had instructed. "Dambed these skirts." he said to himself as the hem of his dress snagged on a low bush as he climbed the narrow path. Freeing nimself, he entered the opening and walked down it's length to the other end above the lava pit. The heat and sulfur rose rapidly up the face of the cliff and washed over the ledge that he stood on. Mark was satisfied with the updraft. It would be sufficient, he thought. The sulfur vapor attacking his nostrils and eyes was unpleasant. This was he deduced the reason that only the high priest would lead the victim to the ledge. Even then he would only stay there long enough to push his sacrifice over the edge. Mark knew that this could work to his advantage. Mark found his device propped up against the cliff wall and cleverly hidden by brush. Mark inspected the work. Although crude, it was well made. The metal leg and arm rings that would support his body were well placed and secured. He was satisfied that he could control the glider with proper shifting of his body weight. As Aloya, he now only weighed about a hundred pounds and he was satisfied that it would work, at least for the time he needed it to. Mark replaced the brush camoflage and set the bindings so that it could be rapidly stripped away. Satisfied, He turned and started to walk back through the tunnel. It was time to challenge Tahematsech. Aloya/Mark was trembling with fear as she walked. Her female emotions started to run wild as the confidence that Mark possessed faded but Aloya knew that she had to face this fear. She was being given a second chance and she had to succeed. She was praying hard as she walked through the tunnel. Aloya exited the tunnel where it opened onto the mountain path when the Voice came from behind her. "I am here daughter. Fear not for I will tell you what to do." Aloya turned and there framed in the opening of the tunnel was the Lady. Aloya dropped to her knees as she saw her protector. ******** Tahematsech received the summons by the High Princess and was at a loss as to it's meaning. It was very rare that Jancheya would ask for him as there had always been a coolnes between them. He knew that if she was summoning him it was of utmost importance. Tahematsech was not afraid of Jancheya but she did have the Ahau's 'ear' and he knew better than to antagonize her. At least not until he could gain total power for himself. Then she would pay dearly. "He smiled as he though of that high ranking bitch being reduced to being his concubine. "All in good time Jancheya. Soon. Soon you will not be so high and mighty. I will play your little game for awhile." He said to himself as he walked toward the palace. Jancheya sat on her small official chair in the receiving area as Tahematsech was escorted into her presence by a palace guard. She smiled as she noticed his appearance. As usual he was decked out in the ornated red and gold 'plummage' that normally was reserved for official functions but that he favored wearing all the time. She was well aware that Tahematsech was prone to self importance and even coveted the throne itself. This made him dangerous. Jancheya felt a fear grip her soul for her sister's safety. What she was about to tell the High Priest could be her sisters's end. Tahematsech bowed low to the princess as he stood in front of her as was the expected response to an official summons. He inwardly laughed at the thought of her bowing low before him shortly and not to do homage. "At your command Princess, I am at your service. Tahematsech said feigning a respectful fielty. "Thank you for coming High Priest. What I have to tell you I have not even told my father the King. It is a matter of grave seriousness that I discuss with you a matter of disrespect to the gods. Intrigued, Tahematsech let the smile drop from his face and he looked straight at Jancheya. "How so my Princess." He asked, knowing it involved Aloya. "Tahematsech, you and I have not been on the best of terms. You know that I do not like you and you feel the same about me. I know that you do not like the idea of a girl becoming the ruler of our people and I do not like your treatment of them. However, you are the rightful Ah Kin and servant of the gods. Therefor I, as a future ruler must make it known when a threat is made to our beliefs. That threat is real and even now walks amongst us in the form of my own sister, Aloya. She has taken the faith of the Spanish. I fear she wants to spread this religion within our people. I know that my father was planning to announce today the he was giving Aloya to you to be your bride but I felt it was my duty to tell you what your bride has become. I did not want to have the gods embarrassed." Jancheya watched as Tahematsech became deadly silent. His face turned white as it took on a sinister countenance. He said noting as he dutifully bowed and then turned and stormed out of the reception room. Jancheya felt as if she had betrayed her sister even though it had been her suggestion to tell Tahematsech in this manner. She hoped that her sister was taking the right path and that this Lady or God or whatever she now believed in was real and not some imaginary person. Jancheya started to sob violently as she sat and thought about what she had just done. Chapter 10 Redemption Aloya/Mark felt a peace overcome her as she left the Lady's presence. She had been assured that all would be well and the evil High Priest and his continuation of the hated human sacrifice would soon come to an end. The Lady had told her what was to happen if she stayed true to the instructions. Aloya resigned herself for the events that was to follow. "Submit to him for a short time daughter. On the day following the morrow,