They Don't Come In Peace

As Katelyn walked through the old wood, it seemed as if nothing had changed. But beyond, everything had changed. The Earth was dying, the only reason the wood still survived was magic. Old magic, sorcery.

Katelyn had been sent to investigate reports of a group who had established themselves in a small camp just outside the woods. As a reporter, Katelyn had covered her share of wars, but that was behind her now. On one mission she was following a military convoy that got hit by a roadside bomb. She had been wearing the regulation flak jacket, but a piece of shrapnel embedded itself in her thigh, because she had stupidly stood up at the wrong moment.

Once out of hospital, Katelyn had returned home and resigned herself to the usual reporting jobs. Until this one appeared. She had begged her editor, Alex, to let her investigate, she knew the old wood from her childhood. It could be said that her Grandmother was one of the cunning folk, she had the gift of sight and knowledge of folk magic.

Until the accident, Katelyn like to believe she too had a certain degree of empathy, a level of insight. But it hadn’t saved her from being hit by shrapnel.

Katelyn reached the edge of the wood and stopped to look at the sign by the side of a gate. The site used to be an adventure holiday centre, which Katelyn found amusing. As she went through the gate, a man appeared as if from nowhere. But when she looked closer, she saw a small hut almost buried in the undergrowth.

The man was tall of athletic build with shoulder length blonde hair. To Katelyn he appeared to be Scandinavian, and as soon as he spoke, his accent confirmed it.

“Greetings traveller, may I ask what brings you to this path?”

“I have an appointment with Adam Kyngeston, my name is Katelyn Hawtrey”

“Ah yes, the reporter, please, follow me”

As Katelyn went to follow him, he suddenly turned round to face her.

“My apologies, I am Arnald”

Then he carried on walking up the path at such a brisk pace, Katelyn almost had to run to keep up with him.

They reached an open clearing surrounded by small log cabins. To one side there was a large cabin which had a large peace sign banner fastened on the outside. Arnald went inside and indicated to Katelyn to take a seat.

“I will let Adam know you are here”

Arnald knocked on door at the rear of the room and went inside. Moments later he came out with another man who Katelyn assumed was Adam. But he left the building as Arnald went over to Katelyn.

“Please, go through, Adam is ready”

As Katelyn entered the room, she saw a man stood in the window. He turned round to face her and she almost gasped out loud as he smiled at her.

“It has often been said that I have a passing resemblance to an artists impressions of Jesus. Greetings Katelyn, I am Adam, please sit down”

Adam gestured towards a group of chairs, Katelyn sat down, Adam sat opposite her.

“So Katelyn, what questions do you have for me?”

For a moment she was speechless, Adam had an aura about him that told her without doubt that he had the gift of sight. She shifted in her seat and took out her notepad.

“Firstly, may I ask how many people are here?”

“Myself and eleven others at present”

“What name do you call yourselves?”

“We have no need to name ourselves, we don’t believe in attaching tags to everything. That is why we only use our first names here”

“What is your belief structure?”

Adam smiled at Katelyn.

“Surely you should know the answer to that, you know of the old magic don’t you?”

Katelyn was taken aback.

“So you believe in folk magic, the old ways of the cunning folk?”

“We don’t just believe in it Katelyn, we practise it. But that alone will not save this planet. Outside intervention will be necessary”

“Outside intervention?”

“It has been foretold that when this planet faces its biggest challenge, they will return and guide us to the next level”

“And who specifically are they?”

In her mind, Katelyn was already writing the story, a typical new age blend of magic and aliens.

“They used to be called Gods in ancient times, we know them as the Eicara, they originate from the area of space called Centaurus”

“Are you talking about Greys?”

Adam laughed.

“No, from one wild description a whole mythology developed. Forget everything you think you know about aliens. The Eicara are essentially humanoid in appearance, they are energy beings with an artificially created form. Humans are obsessed with finding life on other planets, with one proviso, it has to be carbon based because they are too narrow minded to perceive anything else”

“Adam, excuse me being sceptical, but have you actually had contact with the Eicara?”

“Of course, that is why I set up this camp, so we can prepare for their arrival”

Katelyn took a deep breath, this was beginning to sound like another alien cult, this could be a big story.

“I’m a little confused about the connection between magic and aliens…”

“It was through my work with natural magic, connecting with Gaia, trying to save this planet that I received the first messages. The Eicara are empaths, it was due to their sensitivity that they felt the pain Gaia was in. They heard her call…and answered”

“So what exactly are their plans for Earth and Humans?”

“Those Humans who aren’t spiritually awake and aware will be left behind. We are evolving to the next level, we shall become energy beings and if we choose, can also take artificial form like the Eicara”

“Essentially they are planning to invade Earth and wipe humans off the face of the planet. Assuming they truly exist of course…”

“Katelyn, I am surprised you have such a closed mind considering you were raised by your Grandmother, she had the gift didn’t she?”

“I am not here to discuss my family Adam…”

“You’re not here to listen either, you have already written your story. Now all you need are a few sound bites to get the public's attention”

Katelyn leaned forward.

“Then give me proof that the Eicara exist”

“That is not possible, not because they don’t exist, but you would not be allowed to leave here and publish your story. Humans are not truly ready for what is to come”

“Are you threatening me?”

Adam took hold of Katelyn’s hand.

“Not at all, to give you the proof you need, you would have to join us here and work with us to prepare for their arrival. I’m not sure you’re prepared to do that”

Katelyn pulled her hand free of Adam’s.

“Sorry, but I live in the real world. One you will have to accept when your alien friends fail to materialise and save the Earth”

“Fine, then this interview is over, go and write your story”

Adam got to his feet and opened the door. Katelyn put her notepad away and went to leave. As she went past Adam, he put his hand on her arm.

“ Katelyn, you don’t have much longer to live in denial”

As she left the room, Adam firmly closed the door behind her. Arnald was sat waiting.

“I’ll escort you back to your car, it’s just starting to get dark…”

“Thank you, I’ll find my own way”

Katelyn walked out of the building.

Although it was getting dark, as she knew the area so well, Katelyn had no problem getting to her car. She sat for a moment thinking about what Adam had said. Before she could file her story, she wanted to do some checks into his background.

He was charismatic and had the looks and charm to be a cult leader. Katelyn felt it was her responsibility to warn people, not about an impending alien invasion, which she knew was highly unlikely, but about a possible alien cult that might lead to mass suicide.

As she reversed out of the car park, she couldn’t help but feel someone was watching her. Swinging the car around she switched on the headlights and briefly caught sight of a figure in the woods, they quickly stepped behind a tree.

“Probably Arnald making sure I got to my car safely”

She said to herself.