CONNECTING LIVES                                | 13

Unfortunately, the ability did not extend to him understanding exactly what that something was.

Vincendo had experienced much the same before – twice before to be exact.

The first time was shortly before the accidental death of a close colleague at the communications centre, eighteen months ago. That was a particularly difficult time.

The second incident involved developments on the continent of Megapod, which almost triggered a global war. Fortunately, intervention by the leaders of Ghentisland following Vincendo’s revelation of those events, eliminated that particular threat. That was just two months ago.

Even more disturbing, the sensation that Vincendo was experiencing right now was considerably stronger than the on two previous occasions, and that realisation concerned him even more.

Eventually, Vincendo stopped walking and took another deep breath. This was better. He’d only been strolling along the bank of the lake for fifteen minutes or so, but what a difference. Yes, much better. And just look at that view.

The sun was setting over the mountains on the opposite side of the lake, casting a yellow glow over the snow caps, and creating dark shadows where the rays could no longer penetrate. The yellow gradually changed to a deep red, as if the very peaks were burning and radiating a hidden warmth, then that too faded, leaving the lake and hills in peace.

“Wow.” Vincendo let the word slip out aloud, only to be startled by an unexpected response.

“Yes, and it never fails, you know.”

“Hey. Who the – ?” The young man literally jumped when the girl’s quiet voice disturbed his thoughts.

He heard a chuckle, then the voice again. “I’m sorry. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said anything, but I saw you stop to watch the sun go down. You looked so tired at first, then your expression slowly changed, as if the stresses had been washed away.”

The girl’s voice came from below, right on the edge of the lake, but hidden in deep shadow. A soft, gentle, musical voice.

“That’s all right,” Vincendo answered, moving toward the shadows, trying to see her. “You certainly gave me a surprise; I’d no idea anyone else was around. But what do you mean, ‘it never fails’?”