Thorn truthfully said, “but I think you deserve to get yourself settled somewhere, not carry on living in hiding in these caves. Keep in touch, yeah? I’ll send people to check on you now and again and if, god willing, our rebellion goes well, I’ll be able to come and see you again soon in person.”
“I would like that.” Devon smiled.
“Follow the stream, it’s an inlet to the Gowan sea and will take you right into the resort of Kirslan. Baystar is the biggest resort but, like I said, if I were you I’d steer clear of that place. Botanica, that’s the one I’d recommend. I’ve heard good things. You’ll have a bit of a walk, but I think it’s worth it.”
“I’ll try it.” Devon smiled and shook Thorn’s hand which he used to pull them together into a robust hug.
Thorn looked around nervously and backed into the dark mouth of the cave. “Take care, Devon. We’ll be in touch.”
* * * *
Just as Thorn had suggested, Devon followed the clear, pebbly, winding path alongside the tributary where the mountainous landscape melted into green fields full of meadow flowers, then all dissolved into soft white sand and the beginning of a bleached white road.
“This must be Paradise Road.” Devon thought back to Thorn’s directions and took a moment to look around and find his bearings.
Above, were clear skies so blue they seemed fathomless. Mountains slipped away behind stalks of poppies and pink campion to the left. To his right, powdery white sands flecked with silver sparkles which were softly lapped by the clear waves of a pure turquoise sea. Devon felt he was on the edge of the world. He seemed to be the only person there and wondered if Thorn was watching him from afar.
Inhaling the brine-fingered air, Devon took the only dry path left to him and began to pad along Paradise Road, his way paved with wavering fronds of palm which increased both in size and quality the further he walked. Sometimes, he would spot a simple shack with a corrugated iron roof and no curtains, with a single goat tethered in the overgrown roadside garden. However, soon these gave way to apartment blocks, either whitewashed or brightly coloured, with terracotta roofing and large verandas. Then hotels began to sneak in, rising majestically from the ground, all with white walls and the glossy, grey shine of self-cleaning windows. As before, the further he went, the higher the hotels became, with grounds spanning wider acreage, with longer and bluer swimming pools.
Halfway along Paradise Road, Devon had begun to feel less self- conscious of his clothing, as most of the passing males wore the same and the women, nothing more than a sheer gown, their proud nipples and dark patches of hair only slightly muted, a truly hedonistic lifestyle already evident in the resorts.
Towards the end of this fine road, now wide and in good order, Devon saw a large black marble sign with large lettering cut into the block showing him he had found Botanica. Opposite this fine establishment, the Halo Sea whispered her relaxing melody. Devon turned into the hotel complex, in awe of its inspiring beauty. It was obvious that only the very richest could afford a vacation here in such a tranquil and luxurious setting surrounded by unique sculptures and perfectly groomed grounds.
He followed the arching, white gravel path lined by box hedging cut into the shape of waves, up to the imposing entrance; a grassed roundabout with the largest palm tree he had ever seen, providing a one-way system for the shining sports cars. Two conch shells sculpted from finest white marble were situated either side of the tall glass sliding doors, behind which parted a virtual waterfall. Reception was lined with sparkling white marble. Ornate scallop shells and engraved conch were gilded into the front desk, which rested at the top of a long, elegant carp pond, given a classical touch by Corinthian columns and arches covered in twisting ivy.
“Hello,” Devon said
“I would like that.” Devon smiled.
“Follow the stream, it’s an inlet to the Gowan sea and will take you right into the resort of Kirslan. Baystar is the biggest resort but, like I said, if I were you I’d steer clear of that place. Botanica, that’s the one I’d recommend. I’ve heard good things. You’ll have a bit of a walk, but I think it’s worth it.”
“I’ll try it.” Devon smiled and shook Thorn’s hand which he used to pull them together into a robust hug.
Thorn looked around nervously and backed into the dark mouth of the cave. “Take care, Devon. We’ll be in touch.”
* * * *
Just as Thorn had suggested, Devon followed the clear, pebbly, winding path alongside the tributary where the mountainous landscape melted into green fields full of meadow flowers, then all dissolved into soft white sand and the beginning of a bleached white road.
“This must be Paradise Road.” Devon thought back to Thorn’s directions and took a moment to look around and find his bearings.
Above, were clear skies so blue they seemed fathomless. Mountains slipped away behind stalks of poppies and pink campion to the left. To his right, powdery white sands flecked with silver sparkles which were softly lapped by the clear waves of a pure turquoise sea. Devon felt he was on the edge of the world. He seemed to be the only person there and wondered if Thorn was watching him from afar.
Inhaling the brine-fingered air, Devon took the only dry path left to him and began to pad along Paradise Road, his way paved with wavering fronds of palm which increased both in size and quality the further he walked. Sometimes, he would spot a simple shack with a corrugated iron roof and no curtains, with a single goat tethered in the overgrown roadside garden. However, soon these gave way to apartment blocks, either whitewashed or brightly coloured, with terracotta roofing and large verandas. Then hotels began to sneak in, rising majestically from the ground, all with white walls and the glossy, grey shine of self-cleaning windows. As before, the further he went, the higher the hotels became, with grounds spanning wider acreage, with longer and bluer swimming pools.
Halfway along Paradise Road, Devon had begun to feel less self- conscious of his clothing, as most of the passing males wore the same and the women, nothing more than a sheer gown, their proud nipples and dark patches of hair only slightly muted, a truly hedonistic lifestyle already evident in the resorts.
Towards the end of this fine road, now wide and in good order, Devon saw a large black marble sign with large lettering cut into the block showing him he had found Botanica. Opposite this fine establishment, the Halo Sea whispered her relaxing melody. Devon turned into the hotel complex, in awe of its inspiring beauty. It was obvious that only the very richest could afford a vacation here in such a tranquil and luxurious setting surrounded by unique sculptures and perfectly groomed grounds.
He followed the arching, white gravel path lined by box hedging cut into the shape of waves, up to the imposing entrance; a grassed roundabout with the largest palm tree he had ever seen, providing a one-way system for the shining sports cars. Two conch shells sculpted from finest white marble were situated either side of the tall glass sliding doors, behind which parted a virtual waterfall. Reception was lined with sparkling white marble. Ornate scallop shells and engraved conch were gilded into the front desk, which rested at the top of a long, elegant carp pond, given a classical touch by Corinthian columns and arches covered in twisting ivy.
“Hello,” Devon said
Similar Books
Children of the Dawn
Patricia Rowe
Die Geschlechterluege
Cordelia Fine
The Diamond Moon
Paul Preuss
Marty Ambrose - Mango Bay 01 - Peril in Paradise
Marty Ambrose
Acorna’s Search
Anne McCaffrey
Heaven Is High
Kate Wilhelm
Lies That Bind
Maggie Barbieri
Unexpected Oasis
Cd Hussey
What Price Love?
Stephanie Laurens
