The following Monday morning Lidda decided to skip class and find the address on the business card Casra had given her. It wasn't as though she even needed to attend classes now. Widhbo had tutored her until she was far ahead of the classroom, and she only went to avoid arousing suspicions. The card gave an address not far from where she attended college. Lidda turned down a quiet country road that seemed to wander off to no particular destination, which in fact came to a dead end. There she found a rustic looking building with a produce stand, a public parking area with picnic tables and modern restroom facilities. It could have been a state park except that the sign had Castonea Gardens etched in ornate letters over an arched gateway beyond. She parked her car and got out.

A large boned woman attending the produce stand spoke to Lidda in a friendly manner as Lidda approached.

"Miss Kandell! I've been expecting you."

"I don't know what to expect anymore. Please, call me Lidda." The fact that this lady knew her name was surprising, but she had to admit it was welcoming and made her feel less anxious about coming.

"So, you are here at last. You must want to know more about what we do here."

"I'm curious, yes." Lidda didn't expect such a straightforward approach.

"My name is Mara. Come, we have much to talk about, over some tea perhaps?" Mara motioned to someone working nearby to take over the stand for her as she pulled off her apron and led Lidda past the archway, down a fragrant path to a house partially secluded by shrubbery and trees. As they drew closer, Lidda could see it was a bungalow, modest in size. Through the tangle of vines and vegetation Lidda could see other low buildings joined by covered walkways. Even farther away she caught a glimpse of a well-manicured lawn and some larger multi-leveled structures.

"How many acres of gardens do you have here?" Lidda was impressed with the size of the compound. This was no small operation.

"Around five hundred I believe."

Mara was flawless in her hospitality. Once inside the bungalow Lidda soon found herself sitting on a comfortable, cushioned chair. Mara brought out a finely made tea set that was obviously one of their own unique creations. The jungle leaf pattern was studded with other designs. The teapot sported a large volcano with a giant white bird flying overhead. The cups were decorated with brightly colored jungle birds perching in trees. The saucers had slinky black leopards roaming among tall grasses.

"Do I have to join anything to be able to study here?" Lidda decided to skip right to business. It was clear to Lidda that Casra had told Mara all about her and Mara knew of her future plans. For all Lidda knew, Mara may have been instrumental in the planning as well.

"Join?"

"Your religious order. Do you expect donations or such?"

"You think we want something from you, money?" Mara looked pursed her lips, offended at the suggestion.

"I don't know anything, but I know there will be a cost to further my education. I must tell you I don't have much available in tuition funds, certainly not enough to attend the University at Provendor."

"I see. Well, no money is required of you. Our generous founder, Mr. Castonea, has granted all the necessary funds for our educational projects here. And as we own the University at Provendor, your tuition will not be a problem. It is all paid for by the organization."

"What organization? The Ring of Sora?"

"Yes, and no. Our religion is separate. We like to keep business as business. You may study our philosophy if you desire, but the University is owned by our private firm. The Novaland R & D Foundation will be your benefactor and employer. Consider it a work/study program."

"I didn't realize it was such a large organization."

"We try to keep a low profile. The founder isn't from around here."

Possibly from another world Lidda thought, drawing her own conclusions. The qualities of her magiton were certainly not known around here either. Lidda was convinced it was not from this planet, but the very thought made her question her sanity once again. Mara seemed human enough.

As though reading Lidda’s mind, Mara continued, "It is a very old organization, very stable. We have been around for a number of years." She did not seem the least disturbed by Lidda’s probing. "We have much to show you Lidda. You will understand more in time if you want to continue with us."

"I can imagine I will. Just count me in. I want to get on with my studies and I trust Casra or I wouldn't have come here." Lidda sipped her tea and munched on a sweet biscuit stuffed with jam. "I would come here for the food if nothing else."

Mara laughed then, a hearty laugh that was very contagious. They sat and talked for a while longer before Mara launched a tour of the facility. Past their warmly furnished sitting room was a flight of stairs leading to a hallway which opened onto a professionally equipped kitchen. Beyond that was a larger, more formal dining area. The next building housed a much larger meeting hall with a surprisingly modern audio-visual area equipped with satellite and internet connections. Spinning off the main room were several smaller private conference rooms.

Past the conference building Lidda was shown a huge three-story library. To one side was attached a large but cozy study with fireplaces along two of its walls. Other buildings housed private staff living quarters or guest apartments. Next to the student dormitory was a recreation area complete with swimming pool and tennis courts. It was there they bumped into a tall sandy haired youth driving an electric cart.

Mara introduced them. "Lidda, meet Halston Matthews, one of our former students. Halston this is Miss Lidda Kandell. She is new to our facility, and I was just giving her a tour. Do you mind showing her around the gardens and taking her to lunch? I'll be back at the library by one."

"Not at all. Good to meet you Lidda, just call me Hal."

"My pleasure." Lidda observed that Hal was wearing a tee shirt with a Castonea Gardens logo. She climbed in the cart and they drove through acres of gardens, greenhouses and orchards. The grounds were expertly landscaped with shrubbery, hedges, and flowering plants of all descriptions, many Lidda had never seen before. The extensive gardens formed a sort of maze leading to the middle of the property where the scientific research facility was located. It was a modern building of steel and glass with the name Novaland R & D Foundation mounted in huge letters on the front.

"What do you do here Hal?" Lidda queried.

"I help with the gardens, but then everyone does. I'm just here for a break from my real job in Provendor. I program the data processing software for genetic experiments and research. I analyze the data and basically crunch all the numbers." Hal explained.

"Wow, sounds like a big job." She was impressed with the scope of his responsibilities. "And you still find time to help in the gardens?"

Hal laughed and nodded. "It can take weeks or months for the plants to grow a new crop of data. I have plenty of down time. Do you plan to stay on?"

"Maybe. It's just a little mind blowing. Much bigger than I expected."

"Yeah, I know what you mean."

"I am considering a work/study program. How long have you been with the University?"

"A couple of years at Provendor, but I've working here since high school. I like coming back and getting out of the big city."

Hal had a casual boyish charm, but Lidda saw his eyes had a piercing intelligence which reminded her of Reddge. "Well, I've never been there, but this is certainly a beautiful place. I may be transferring to Provendor later. What's it like?"

"The facilities are great, really first-class labs with everything you could want," Hal said. He took note of the leather pouch around her neck. "I see you've been introduced to some of our members already."

"Oh this? Yes, I have," Lidda said. She was defensive, used to protecting the secrets it held. Perhaps there would be no need to hide anything here. Hal was wearing a striking piece of jewelry embossed with tribal patterns. "Are you a member of the Ring of Sora too?"

"Yes. Many of us are." Hal replied. He followed her gaze to his pendant. "Anyone you see wearing one of these is a member. You really are new to our operation, huh?"

"Brand new. I found out about the Gardens from a couple of friends I met in summer school. " Lidda was trying to be tactful but she needed to know more before all of this became a big part of her life. "What can you tell me about your religion? Nobody ever talks about it."

"We don't proselytize. Those who are seeking will find us. Destiny if you will."

"I think I may have had a little help with my destiny." Lidda didn't think it wise to mention the magiton.

"What do you mean?"

"Just that my friend Casra Tollsun insisted I check it out. Do you know her?"

"Casra? Sure. I know her and her brother, Reddge, quite well," Hal said and grinned. "They can be very persuasive. You should know they don't give out invitations to just anyone."

"So why am I so special?" Lidda asked. She knew what Casra had said but hoped Hal might tell her a little more.

"That's a question you'll have to ask of them," Hal said. "Hey, I can show you the chapel if you are interested."

"Yes, I'd love to see it."

The stone chapel stood alone and was quietly magnificent. It was adorned with the usual stained glass and statuaries, but the art was of the same nature Lidda saw on their clothing, dishes, and now Hal's pendant. The central congregation area had unique wooden benches that were carved in jungle designs with the forms of birds or beasts. The room was circular in shape with a podium and altar on the periphery of the room. Arched doorways led to private chambers or hallways. Lidda could see stairs leading to a second floor and on to a grand bell tower that rose high above the treetops. It was stunning.

"I love the spirit of this place." Hal remarked. "You can come here any time to meditate. The bells ring three times a day at dawn, noon, and dusk. They also accompany the ceremonies or special occasions."

"I will have to come back here sometime." Much to Lidda’s surprise, she really liked the chapel. She thought she could feel the spirit of the place too.

A robed figure entered on hearing their voices.

"Lidda, this is Father Pen Martin, the curate of our chapel. Father, Lidda is considering a study program with us."

"A new face. Welcome my child," came a voice that was kindly and mellow not unlike a church bell. His face was somber, but pleasant and he wore a neatly trimmed beard. His dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail which was a bit unusual compared to other priests Lidda had encountered.

"Why all the animals and birds? Do you practice animism?" Lidda couldn't help but ask.

Father Pen did not seem offended, and his presence was generally inviting as he replied. "I can see why you would think that. No, we celebrate our history and heritage. Our founders were once a primitive people it is true. But that is true of most cultures don't you think? There is much wisdom to be found in the primitive beginnings. We have grown in our understanding of the universe but have deep connections to our past. In order to fully know who you are and where you are going, it is wise to remember your origins and who you have been. Strength of character and right action are not restricted to any one time or age. We cherish our predecessors and their myths that teach truth."

"That makes a lot of sense," Lidda said. She had never heard such a logical explanation before. They were interrupted by the ringing of the noon bells.

"But forgive me. I could ramble on all day," Father Pen said. "I see it's time for your lunch. Please do come back and visit anytime you like." He glided back into the depths of the chapel before she could reply or ask more questions, and Hal ushered her back outside.

"Father Pen is refreshingly different for a man of the cloth." Lidda commented. "I look forward to speaking with him again."

"Yes, he's very kindly man and loves to talk with anyone," Hal agreed "The cafeteria is this way."

Lidda was treated to a hearty lunch in the main dining hall where she was introduced to a few other students. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their experience at Castonea Gardens. She could see why. It was like living in paradise. Hal dropped her off back at the library.

"Thanks for the tour, Hal. I appreciate your time on such short notice."

"No problem. I hope you decide to come back."

Inside the library Mara was waiting for her. They settled down in a couple of large roomy chairs and were surrounded by soft sunlight piped in through fiber optic lines and hidden in the rustic decor. Lidda couldn't help but marvel at the contrast between the rustic and modern features of the whole operation and decided one could be very content here. She wished she didn't have to go to Provendor at all after seeing the rather lavish accommodations.

"So Lidda, what have you told your parents thus far?" Mara inquired.

"I haven't said anything yet. I didn't know what to tell them. With tuition no longer a problem, and if I keep up my grades, they'll be okay with whatever I decide." Lidda was already in love with the Gardens and excited about the opportunity it offered. "Would it be possible to study here for a while before going to the University? I think my parents would be more comfortable if I stayed closer to home. Provendor would be a far cry from the Gardens." Lidda could only imagine the look on her parent's faces when they knew she was thinking of moving even a short distance away.

"Indeed, it would," Mara replied. "The University is housed in a skyscraper in downtown Provendor. If you decide to go there later, know our computer sciences department is the best in the world. You would have your own lab and a private suite. All talented students receive a stipend, so finances are not an obstacle," Mara explained. "I think delaying your move to Provendor is a good idea. I would like to invite you to stay here and learn with us for a year before moving on to the graduate program. You can finish your senior year by correspondence."

"That would be perfect, Mara," Lidda said barely containing her excitement.