Excerpt: Anubis of the Starsong

He barked in laughter, and the stars also trembled with mirth. “Behold what the gods are capable of little one. With a simple declaration, you can shape the very matter of Creation to your desires.” He guided Rebecca’s arms upward, so that she resembled a pious priestess of old Egypt. Her knees felt weak at his touch. “Go on, don’t be nervous. Simply say ‘I want you to be,’ and many things will call you mother and sing for your company.”

“I want you to be,” said Rebecca eagerly. She desperately wanted to hear the words that she had never heard in her old world. “Sing for my company. Let me be with you. Love me, and let me love you.” She waited with bated breath, and for several seconds, the universe beyond the sixth gate was totally silent.

All of a sudden, a thousand billion stars exploded into existence light-years above her and her guardian.

The gaseous giants were spectacular in their entrance, and their voices were passionate, ardent. “Mother,” they sang. “Friend. Companion.” And as they took their place amidst the cosmic underworld, they laughed in wonder, matching the amazement that was reflected in their creator’s blue irises.