Synopsis- a spiritual fantasy and sci-fi novel
This novel opens in a setting of 2055 , 100 hundred years after Book I-and is at a critical point of human history where both paths to extinction and evolution are presented and explored from technological and spiritual platforms..  In a vision, decades earlier, Molly Grace foresaw a time of great darkness, tyranny and hardship. Her work to teach people about the power of Agape Love as the source of absolute freedom from all fear of harm had been continuing from strength to strength bringing great joy and peace to individuals and families, but the world leaders sustained wars and more wars, fuelled by the work of Molly's nemesis, Simulacra. Actually, the arch enemy of all humanity.
The world is plunged in darkness after the Great Separation takes place.

Molly, thru her vision,  is guided to write a book of Secret Wisdom which she saw would become the way, those left in the darkness would be able to find their way back thru the light portals to join the community of Ecclesia-the only haven left on planet Earth at this time.

Around a century later, when the chaos and cruelty in the world AND the goodness and light have become utterly incompatible, a "great separation" occurs blocking Molly and her friends from entering the realm they once roamed in order to bring hope and instruction-except on the isle of Ecclesia. This is the time referred to as “After Dark” and what Molly saw in her vision. Life on earth becomes perilous, ruled by the acceptance of Fear over Love, fuelling the dominion of BOOK I’s villain, Simulacra. Freedom is slaughtered, surrendered to the bondage of tyranny and any who attempt to reclaim it are beheaded.

But Molly’s words shine the light on a transcendent alternative, equipping people with a means to, not only navigate the darkness, but ultimately escape it, and the Fear that created it, altogether.

Book IV traces the paths of a selection of individuals that have some connection with Molly ‘s family and the group that Freedom activists that arises as a result, using a  key focus on some featured characters, with their respective  ranges of experience, choices and outcomes. Exploring themes of cowardice, questioning the erroneous and accepted notions of martyrdom, the greatest kind of love,  freedom, accountability, true peace and personal wholeness.

Escape to Ecclesia BOOK IV: Molly Grace in “After Dark:”

Chapter One:  Hidden Treasure

A lean, shadowy form fled along the misty Sydney street, clutching something close beneath his shirt. His clothes were torn and filthy, his face and hands covered in grime. The lad came bolting around the corner of the building and into a sandstone archway. He pressed his shoulder blades flat as he could against the cold, hard stone, his heart racing. In spite of the sense of imminent threat, a wry smile appeared and evidenced a deeper satisfaction.

Above his head, dangling by a single hook, was an old sign.  Centuries old, if the tales he’d heard were to be believed. The lantern that legend said once burned ceaselessly, as if by some eternal flame, had long been extinguished. He didn’t need to see the sign to know what was written on it, if in fact, it was still legible after all the pillaging and destruction that had happened.

“Jebediah’s Uncommon and Rare Books...est. 1884”

Just then, a volley of screeches heralded a tall, hooded figure turning into the lane way. The boy held his breath and his heart pounded in his throat. Listening to the speedily approaching steps, he prayed silently and prepared himself for what might happen. Moving more deeply into the archway’s shadow and against the old oak door, he waited for what felt like eternity. The figure turned without hesitation, straight into the archway, and lunged toward the boy quickly. As it did, the old door opened and the boy fell back into the dimness and onto the floor, followed by his apparent pursuer. The door swung heavily back into place, followed by a series of thuds and muffled shrieks. Darkness enveloped them.

In a panic, the boy jumped up, still protecting the prize under his grubby garb. He could see nothing and heard only his own erratic breath. Turning into the room, he saw a smouldering wick become a flame. As it grew, William could see the lantern that housed it and his eye followed the expanding glow as it slowly rolled back the inky blackness to expose the hooded man standing behind the counter upon which the lantern stood. He didn’t know what to think.

“Hello William”, a deep voice cut smoothly across the room from the softly illuminated corner. Stunned, William just stood confused, watching as the old man drew back his hood. Even in the dim light, William recognised the features that stood gently outlined in the lantern’s flickering light. Although he’d never met the man, he’d heard enough of his great grandmother’s stories and seen the drawings passed down through generations to know him instantly.

“Jebediah!”

                                   **********     *********        **********

“Well, that’s it!” a young man of about 16 declared, as he descended from a loft via a timber ladder. “He made it through-at least, for as far as I could see.” Even in the weak light of a few candles,  Liam saw the small group standing before him visibly relax. He turned to the much older woman in the group, saying, “I sure hope he finds it!” She smiled back at him comfortingly and took his hands in hers.

“If the tales be true to their telling, son, an’ it actually does exist, William’ll find it alright. And Jebediah’s Bookstore is the perfect place to look!”  

Like a mother hen gathering chicks, Matilda ushered them before her into the simple kitchen cum dining area, which was comprised of a free standing bench with stools, a sink and gas stove top. “Now, come! Let’s have a bit of supper and get some sleep. We can sit watches after that. We don’t want William stuck outside for a second longer than necessary, so we must be ready to let him in when he comes.” Matilda Brown spoke with some slight British-like accent and in a warm, matter-of-fact manner, conveying a calming confidence that was an anchor to the young hearts listening to her. She was fully aware of this and was well practised in the art of being a stabilising influence for them, having been the family housekeeper for many years. You are a true mother of faith, Tilly Brown she recalled Molly Grace’s words, spoken over her so long ago.

 “Tilly?” piped up Angus, the very dark haired babe of the group. With his green eyes wide and a quivering bottom lip, he confessed somewhat feebly, “I’m a bit scared.” Tilly met his gaze compassionately. “But I will be brave, like William!” he added stoically, standing a little straighter and taller. He nodded firmly as if to seal a promise.  Tilly bowed down and gathered his light 5 year old frame into her arms, delivering instant reassurance.

“You are already brave!” she exclaimed. He burrowed more deeply into her embrace and Tilly felt him draw courage directly from her wizened heart. “Now, Liam,” she faced the older teen again, “I want you to check our supplies. Make sure we are fully stocked with the necessities should we have to leave suddenly. There is a list on the inside of the stockroom door. Pack only according to that and let me know if we are short of anything-not that I can supply it, but at least I’ll know what we’ve NOT got to work with!” She shot him a half grimace half grin. “I’ll feed these three and get them to bed, then bring some food up into the loft for us, where we can keep an eye out together.”

“Ok Tilly”, answered Liam and went off to carry out her instructions.

“Alright, you three, take a seat at the bench!” Angus was about to protest that he couldn’t get up on the stool, but Tilly beat him to it.

“Help your brother up, please Eliza,” she said with a wink to one of the red haired girls. Turning to the equally freckled, 12 year old twin sister, she added, “Rhonda, you can get us a few bowls and spoons from under the sink there. I’ve got just the thing to fill your bellies! Some good mutton stew, like me great, great, “Anny-Gran” used to make! Fill your bellies and warm your souls!” She beamed at them.

Not too long later, with short prayers said, the younger three were bedded down. Layers of blankets softened the hard wood floor beneath them in the first room, Tilly poured two deep bowls of mutton stew and placed them on a tray with a cob of bread and some spoons. Miss me butter! She thought. She called softly for Liam to reach down and take the tray up thru the man-hole into the loft, so she had her hands free to climb up. Taking her full skirt in one hand, she stepped her way up carefully.

Liam laid the tray on an upside down timber crate between two cushions on the far side of the loft, by the window. It was from that vantage point, some time earlier, he had watched as William ran out in the darkness, across the Lawnie and toward the centre of the desolate Doyle village. There was no moon that night, so it was even darker than usual, and once William’s faint shadow of a form passed under the massive fig trees, Liam had lost all visibility. They didn’t know how he was going to gain access to Jebediah’s store, but it was reassuring to know that he didn’t have to go too far.

Tilly and Liam ate in silence, and in almost complete darkness, as they gazed out at the dim view below them.

“You know we can’t wait for long.” Tilly said softly, “By this time tomorrow, we will have to go regardless. It’s not safe here anymore.”

“I know” Liam fell silent again.

“ Hmph!” Tilly muttered to herself. “It’s not safe anywhere!”

               *****************            *****************                  *********************

100 years earlier...

“Mohhhhh.....lleeeeey!”  

A young female voice trailed up through the swishing palms and tinkling chimes.  Back already? Thought Molly.

“I’m in here, Bella!” Molly called, knowing full well that Bella knew exactly where she was.

“Yes, but can you come here?” came Bella’s plea. “Pleeeease...”

Molly sighed. She’d had a strange dream. As if she had travelled back in time to an event that had occurred just a couple of months before, which in itself, was not so odd. But the dream was different somehow, so she felt there was more to probe. She knew by experience, when she wrote these things out, they took upon themselves more detail and clarity. She lay her pen down reluctantly, pushed her chair out from the desk where she was working and stood up. 

“Ok!" she called back to Bella. "I’m just going to get a juice, would you like one?” Bella came bounding up the back deck steps to the screen door.

“Oh yes, please!” Bella opened the door for her and Molly gave her an exasperated look.

“And I got up...why?”  She asked the younger Bella, as she passed her the glass.

“Oh, you need to see this!” Bella gulped down her juice in ten seconds flat. Molly shook her head and sipped hers most genteelly, as if in protest. “Come on!” Bella urged her. Taking Molly’s glass and placing it on a nearby table, she grabbed her empty hand and drew her toward the stairs “Don’t worry, you’ll be glad you came!” She half skipped across the lawn to the sheltered pathway under the palms leading to Lake Crystal, tugging Molly along behind her.

“But I didn’t bring my sunglasses!” Molly moaned. Bella flashed back a grin.

Just as Molly anticipated, they burst through from their leafy retreat in a gloriously blinding sea of sunshine and rainbows.  How on earth Bella expected her to see anything was the question! Lake Crystal’s sands were crystals of all colours and full of light refracting quality. Molly shielded her eyes with both hands and tried to keep sight of Bella’s sandaled feet, as she veered off to the right, in the direction of Neptune’s Lair. The glare diminished with the shift southward and Molly caught up with the playfully mysterious, ten year old Bella.

“You are going to thank me, Molly!” she cajoled with a grin. Molly gave up the thought of even trying get this over with quickly or to guess at what could be so amazing. After a few minutes crossing the sand and navigating the mound of boulders, they came to the mouth of Neptune’s Lair-an open-to-the-air underground chamber that acted as the entrance way to Ecclesia’s maze of subterranean passages and caverns.

Being there, triggered Molly’s memory about the next chamber, some ten minutes deeper into the belly of the island. In the centre of that second chamber, a large fountain of an urn-bearing woman referred to as Wisdom, stood, luminous and radiant and ever vigilant over the heart of the island.

 “Interesting...”Molly mused to herself. Wisdom had been in her dream too and now, that she had come this far, she was feeling inclined to go ahead and visit Wisdom. Even in her imagination, Wisdom’s pearlescent form drew her. Perhaps that would give her the insight she sought. She was already well aware that there was far more to this lady than meets the eye, but even she was not prepared for what happened next.

“Look!” pointed Bella.

Chapter Two- A Different Perspective

 “Well?”

Simulacra’s exasperated inquiry was met with no more than silence and a blank look.

“Argh!! So stupid!” he strode across the landing, slapped the cowering creature aside and took its place at the viewing station.!” Before him were a series of circular screens, spiralling several around, looking a lot like the eye of a fly. Without turning he added, “Get out of my sight, before I blot you out-permanently!” The sorry little critter limped away sadly, whimpering softly. “You forget-I brought you into this world. I can take you out...” Simulacra continued, muttering to himself. “Even if I hadn’t brought you in, I can still take you out! Haha..” He amused himself with this thought and began to snicker with wicked delight. The snicker grew more sinister and dark, creating a crescendo that climaxed into a full blown volley of piercing shrieks.

Meanwhile, Blip, the banished assistant, went into hiding. Obscured from view and out of ear-shot, he was emboldened. He mimicked his cruel leader’s last threats. “I can still take you out! Phooey!” he finished. “We’ll see, Dr. Sim. We’ll see.” He caught site of his odd ball-like reflection in a lack lustre metal wall opposite and his expression filled with compassion.  Blip had a singular form that appeared to be both head and body. Six large toes, reminiscent of a toad’s splayed out from underneath the blubber and short and spindly, most impractical, limbs dropped from either side at eye level. They looked more like fingers. Softly crooning to himself, he raised one of these limbs and it stretched like an elastic gel, around to his other side, allowing him to stroke the tender point that had caught the blow. His dull, deep toad-green body glowed a warm red-orange under his touch. It felt so good. He slumped and took a rest.

Simulacra, in front of the screens, was scanning them keenly for something.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are...” he chided. Impatience mounting, he searched more feverishly. “Where did he go? Where did he go? Arrgh!” he growled. He looked around for something to smash. No, you need the Eyes! “Dam! Where is that Blip when I need him?” He laughed again. “He really is my best punching bag! Lucky for him, I gave him a body that doesn’t feel it-very merciful of me!” He forgot everything else and took a minute for vain appreciation and preening, muttering praises to himself.

A sudden movement in the Eyes got his attention. “Yes!” he exclaimed with devilish delight.” I’ve got you now!” The Eyes zoomed in on a target with great speed, like an eagle on its prey, but as they drew just inches away, it vanished into a shadowy archway and all the Eyes went black.

Simulacra let loose an ear splitting screech.

************************************   ***************************************** **

 “Indeed. It is I. In the flesh”  Jebediah stepped out from behind the counter and performed a sweeping bow. "Jebediah: Keeper of Books, at your service!"

Even though William knew the stories of Jebediah, and thought he’d believed them, he found himself still struggling with shock at the idea of him standing before him and conversing! He was relieved that he wasn’t of the party that had been chasing him, but he was still shaken. Jebediah, according to the sign outside, had founded his bookshop in 1884. It was strange enough that he still managed his store in 1955, but here, in 2055, it made no sense at all!

“But...but you haven’t been around here for years!” William blurted out. “And then, when the Great Separation took place, we thought all direct connection with the portals and Ecclesia was lost.” William stopped suddenly. “And how do you know who I am?”

“Of course, I know you boy! You are of the Grace lineage. Everyone on Ecclesia knows you! Besides, I know your great grandmother-exceedingly well” he added as an aside, “as you would expect after more than a century! She speaks of you at length, and often. In fact, it is on her bidding that I ventured here this night with the intention of colliding with you right here.

“You mean you knew my great grandmother. She would be over 100 if she was alive now.” Jebediah huffed and waved his words aside with a flurry of sleeves.

“I mean exactly what I mean! Now!” He slammed both large palms onto the top of his counter. “to the matter at hand.” He looked out intently from under his bushy brows and stared into William’s face. He tilted his head slightly as if recalling something. “And she doesn’t look a day over 35!” He said triumphantly. He slammed the desk again and straightened up. Scratching his chin through his long beard, he began muttering “what shall we do, what shall we do...” He pondered out options using his hands and fingers as measuring points. Striding back and forth on the other side of his counter, now tapping his chin, he ‘hmm-ed’ and ‘oh-ed’.

From inside the next room, scuffling and squawking sounds could be heard. 

“Of course!” he exclaimed, holding up one hand, finger extended, like an exultant scientist. With the other hand, Jebediah picked up the lantern and swooshed by the tall boy, turning into the old adjacent reading chamber, where Molly herself had often sat. “Come, William!”

William, still gathering his wits, and feeling as though he was missing a few, fell in behind him. The scurrying was closer.

“Is that coming from the roof, Jebediah?” William asked, as he cocked his head, trying to pinpoint the location of the noise. Jebediah had made straight for the massive fireplace at the far end of the room.

“Chimney.” He answered. He grabbed the ornate grate and lay it aside. Leaning deeply into the large hearth chamber, Jebediah tugged hard at something. “Hmm...Bit stiff.” He muttered to himself, pulling harder. The scuffling and scratching was getting louder, and debris was falling into the room, but he didn’t seem at all bothered. All in a day’s work, thought William. With a final heave, the stubborn object moved. A heavy metal plate slid out, closing off the chimney access just in time to hear a clatter of claws and dings against it. “Must remember to oil that!” Jebediah said, apparently oblivious to the din above his head.

He lifted his whole body into the hearth and pressed his shoulder against the back brick wall as he pulled down a wrought iron hook now protruding from the rear end of the extended plate. A heavy grating could be heard as the wall gave way and opened into a dark space. A cold gush of air escaped and a chill went up the back of William’s spine.

“Now, there should be a little hidey-hole here someplace...”Jebediah reflected, leaning in and feeling around off  to the side. “Yes!” Triumphant, he withdrew his hand and held up two smooth, narrow cylinders.  “More than the smoky glass sticks they appear to be!” He continued, seeing William’s baffled look. “Behold!” He cracked one against a brick and it began to glow. Slowly, like an ember at first, but with steadily increasing intensity. He handed one to William.

“Come.”  He said again and led the way into the opening. “By the way, “he called back over his shoulder, “What is that you’re hiding under those rags...uh, I mean, clothes?”Although William had not released his grip on his possession, it had completely slipped his mind. He drew his hand and its contents from under his tattered shirt. “Are things so bad that these threadbare offerings are the best you can muster on a cold, dark night?” Jebediah queried.

“Ah, not exactly...” William faltered. “It’s kind of a long story.”

“Perfect opportunity for a story now!” he said stopping suddenly to face him. “But not too long, eh?”, he patted William’s shoulder. “Good lad!” He turned and descended into the dark opening. “Oh, but before you do, I’ll just tell you about this tunnel.” He called back up to William. “Watch your step!”

Once William had reached the floor a couple of metres below, the old sage reached up and pulled on another wrought iron lever.

“That not only closes the wall back up but also draws the opening lever back in, obscuring it from obvious view, so we are not easily followed. This tunnel has not been used for a long time. Since well before your great grandmother was here. It’s an old smugglers’ access. It has two entries. One down at the beach and another under the trees in the old Lawnie. It does use some of the underground street drainage system, so the Lawnie alcove provides some added security if that part is searched.” They were standing in a small chamber. The tunnel veered away hard to the left. William tried to piece it together and decided they must have been heading under to road and back up the laneway.

“And so?” Jebediah asked “What have you got there?”

“Well,” began William, “there’s a small group of us- me, my four cousins, and their family house-keeper, Tilly. Her real name is Matilda Brown and in a lot of ways, she’s more like a grandmother to all of us.” Jebediah motioned to him to walk as he talked. “Tilly had actually met Molly Grace once, a long time ago, when she was still a teenager and first began to work for my Aunt. She said she remembers vaguely as if in a dream, but is sure that on some level, it was a real experience. In this ‘dream’, Molly had told her of a time to come and shown her a book she wrote called Secret Wisdom. She told Tilly that when all the other lights go out that book would be her light. When Tilly ‘awoke’, she had this in her hand.” William drew out a small scroll and handed it to Jebediah, who carefully unrolled it. “We think it’s torn from the book that Molly spoke of and the only place we could think of to look for it-or some clue about it-was here.” He spun around in the dark hole. “Well...up there.”

“Yes, it could be Molly’s work and it does have a familiar look to it.” agreed Jebediah. He examined it closely, turning it over a few times then handed it back to William, shaking his head.  “But I know of no such book. And it certainly isn’t on my shelves, Come! We have lingered too long already!” He picked up the pace of his steps  and William hastened to equal them.

They soon connected with the simple system of tunnels beneath the village streets. Dismally damp weather every day for months meant that some water flowed steadily through them. When they arrived at the first intersection, Jebediah cautiously peered out, then moved like a shadow across to the opening on the opposite side. They travelled wordlessly along inside the second tunnel for a few minutes. William was too busy taking in his surroundings to think much more about the scroll, but he felt uneasy that this Sage of Ecclesia didn’t know anything about it. Jebediah stopped by the place where a thick tree root had broken through the cement casing , causing a wide crack, now filled with soil.

“Here we are, lad” he spoke in a low tone. Placing one large hand on either side of the crack, he pushed. The cement pieces opened in and revealed an earthy chamber on the other side. “In you go! When you get in there, you will see how to proceed. I have to go back the way I came. You will come out under one of the trees in the Lawnie. Keep your wits about you and get back to your aunt’s house immediately. Do not linger! It is not safe!” He helped the boy through the opening. “...sounds to me like your Tilly has guidance to lead you from there.” He used the tangled root to pull the access shut once more “Till next we...” His words were cut off by their closing.

William turned slowly in chamber. The overarching structure that made up the walls and ceiling in one was of soil and covered in a mass of twisted roots in a variety of sizes.  The floor too but there was a kind of path to follow through them. They felt eerily alive and he half questioned seeing them move in the dim light of his fading stick. He made is way along the path and climbed a small spiral stairway carved into a central pillar of the tree. By the time William climbed the dozen or so stairs, his light was almost gone and he felt the threat of a panic brought on by the idea of being stuck underground in the dark. Just then, as his eyes adjusted he saw a dark hole. He poked his stick through  and when nothing grabbed it, he tried his finger. He felt a tiny latch and sprung it open. A trap door in the tree trunk fell open and he climbed out into the buttress roots of the giant tree. Glancing around quickly, he closed up the opening and quickly raced off into the shadows, back to his Aunt’s house.