Three Moons * Two Suns

By Catherine Church Piwowar

The Stewart children grew up living in an apartment across the hall from their grandparents. Little did they suspect that the fairy tales their grandparents told them were not fairy tales at all.

Travel with the Stewart children to the planet Thera, where their natural abilities and talents become the extraordinary means they use to rescue the queen of Annabella.

2

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781098085490

Book preview

1

Bright Sun

The intensely bright sun loomed large in the mid-autumn sky. Its golden radiance reigned over the earth like a queen holding court. The silvery, shimmering beams that streaked across the otherwise cloudless sky added an air of mystery to the day. On this particular Saturday afternoon, the sun’s rays warmed the living room of the cozy apartment where the Stewart children were each engrossed in separate activities.

Natalie stood up and stretched. She dog-eared the page of the book she was reading and tossed it on the chair behind her. She walked over to the window and yawned as she stretched again.

"It really is warm for this time of year," she said as she fastened her long dark hair into a ponytail with a band she pulled from her back pocket.

Helen, come over here. I’ve never seen the sky like this before.

Like what? asked Helen, still intent upon the picture she was drawing.

It’s hard to explain. Come and see for yourself, replied Natalie impatiently.

Helen sighed, stood up, and joined her elder sister at the window.

"It is strange, Helen agreed. The sun looks too big for the sky."

And look at those silver streaks, said Natalie, pointing. They’re not clouds. At least they don’t look like any clouds I’ve ever seen.

Helen, with sketchbook and chalk still in hand, flipped to a fresh page and tried to capture the scene before her. Hmmm, she said, they remind me of how the full moon shines into our bedroom window at night. I’m going to draw a picture of this to show everyone after dinner.

What are you drawing a picture of now? asked six-year-old Caitlin as she cartwheeled over to her big sisters.

Caitlin collided with Helen and knocked the chalk from her hand.

You really need to watch where you’re going! Helen scolded her. This is what happens when you practice gymnastics in the house!

Sorry, Caitlin mumbled from the floor.

Natalie picked up the chalk and handed it back to Helen. Then she helped Caitlin up and turned her toward the living room’s bay window.

She’s going to draw a picture of that huge sun and those silver beams, said Natalie. Have you ever seen anything like it before?

No, I haven’t, but those beams look magical to me. Maybe they’re moonbeams, and the moon is using them to send out a distress signal! Or maybe the silver beams are a trail of fairy dust left by fairies secretly living among us! It’s just like in the fairy-tale books I like to read.

Caitlin’s sapphire blue eyes danced with excitement at the very thought of fairies living among them.

I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation for this phenomenon, said a small voice from behind them.

The girls turned to see their brother, Kevin, standing on tiptoe and peering over their shoulders at the sky.

Why do you always talk like a teacher? asked Caitlin, exasperated. Why can’t you ever talk like a four-year-old?

"Well, I am four, and this is how I talk. So perhaps teachers talk like me," Kevin replied with an impish grin.

The girls laughed at their brother with deep affection.

"Teachers might talk like you, but I doubt they talk like the average four-year-old!" Natalie said as she tousled Kevin’s thick brown hair.

I’m sure there are many four-year-olds just like me.

Sure there are! Caitlin retorted as she peered over Kevin’s shoulder. Let’s see that book in your hand. Hmmm, it’s a manual for aeronautical engineers on how to build a jet airplane. I just bet that every other four-year-old in your class is waiting in line to read that book when you’re finished with it.

To emphasize her point, Caitlin put her left index finger to her temple. She opened her eyes wide as she mimicked the look of someone who has just discovered something amazing.

Oh, wait! There’s only one problem, she declared as she pointed her finger in the air. They can’t read yet!

Caitlin, stop teasing Kevin, chided Helen. You should be proud that your brother learned to read when he was only three.

Caitlin crossed her eyes and looked at Helen with exasperation.

Of course, I’m proud of him! He’s my best friend! Right, Kevin?

That is correct! answered Kevin, parroting a teacher’s voice.

Oh, you two! grumbled Helen. Arguing one minute and best friends the next! I’m going to finish my drawing.

Caitlin and Kevin collapsed in amusement at their own cleverness. They began tumbling over and around each other like two rambunctious bear cubs.

Helen rolled her eyes, turned her back on them, and moved closer to the window. She chose a piece of golden yellow chalk and attempted to finish capturing the oddly unsettling view.

Natalie came up alongside her and whispered in her ear. "Do you think there really is a scientific explanation for that?" she asked as she nervously twirled a strand of her hair.

Natalie pointed from the sky to the picture that Helen held in her hand.

I don’t know, but I have goosebumps. Helen raised her arms to show Natalie. Her soft brown eyes looked troubled. That strange sky makes me feel like something’s about to happen.

As she continued to stare out the window, Helen absentmindedly tucked the chalk behind her ear, dusting her sandy-brown hair with golden highlights in the process.

I hope it’s something good, murmured Natalie as she brushed the chalk dust out of her sister’s hair.

What are you mumbling about now? asked Caitlin, who, despite Helen’s earlier warning, was tumbling and cartwheeling in every available inch of space she could find. She and Kevin had ceased their roughhousing. Kevin had gone back to reading his book and sketching out some airplane designs.

Nothing, replied Natalie. She didn’t want to worry her younger siblings.

Just then, Caitlin’s stomach growled loud enough for all to hear. The rumbling tummy distracted her from probing her sister for a more truthful answer to her question.

Well, I’m hungry! she announced.

With her auburn hair flying, she tumbled across the floor toward the kitchen where her mother and grandmother were busy preparing bread and rolls for the oven. Her siblings followed her to the kitchen.

Is it time for tea yet? asked Caitlin as she flipped upright unto her feet.

Almost, answered Violet. She slipped a pan of rolls into the oven before facing her children.

Mommy, it’s three o’clock. Can we go downstairs and help Daddy and Pop Pop close up the café? Natalie begged.

Yes, please! We want to go and help! pleaded the other three.

Well, said their mother, I suppose it would be all right if you promise to do exactly what your dad and Pop Pop tell you to do.

And stay out of Mrs. Holmes’s way! Rosamund warned her grandchildren. Mrs. Holmes loves you children as her own, but she wants to get home to make dinner for her family. It’s been a long week, and she needs some rest.

Temporarily setting aside their questions about the day’s mysterious sky, the children hugged their mother and grandmother and raced down the stairs, which landed them in the spotlessly clean kitchen of the Three Moons Bakery & Café. They nearly crashed into Mrs. Holmes as she was finishing the last of the dishes. She wiped her hands dry on her apron and scooped all four of them into her arms for a bear hug.

The children loved Mrs. Holmes. They had known her their whole lives. She was the only full-time employee of the café and the only one trusted with the secret family recipes. She bustled around the café with the boundless energy of a much younger person, her short black hair bouncing as she moved. And the fact that she always saved them some pastries from the day’s baking endeared her to them even more.

Mommy and Grandma said we could come and help close the café! the children all shouted at once.

Mrs. Holmes, with her hands on her hips, glared at them. Well, I certainly don’t need any rug rats under my feet while I finish my work.

The children knew she was teasing them by the twinkle in her huge dark-brown eyes.

But I daresay that your daddy and Pop Pop could use some help cleaning the tables in the café and sweeping the floor.

Mrs. Holmes gathered up the cleaning supplies and handed them to the children.

Here, Natalie, you take the broom. And, Helen, you take the dustpan. Please do a good job sweeping. We don’t want our customers to come in Monday morning and see dirt on the floor. That’s not a good way to start the day. Caitlin and Kevin, you can wash off the tables. Now get busy!

The children left the kitchen and ran into the café. The dining area was modest in size, but not cramped. It had large front windows framed with cheerful blue gingham curtains. There were eight round wooden tables with matching chairs. Each table had a vase with fresh flowers that Mrs. Holmes gathered each morning from the backyard garden. Today the vases were spilling over with the last of the summer’s roses, their large pink heads almost too heavy for their stems. The bakery display cases were nearly empty now. Only a few cookies and one scone were left. It was a sign that there had been many satisfied customers that day.

Well, look who’s here all ready to help! Thomas grinned at his grandchildren as he continued to tidy up the sugar packets and refill the napkin basket on the counter.

Their father looked up from where he was counting the money from that day’s sales.

This is wonderful, Vincent said. As I always say, many hands make light work.

The children groaned.

What? You don’t like my proverbs! Well then, go and help your grandfather so I can finish the accounting for this week. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can have our teatime. Just smelling those rolls baking upstairs is making me ravenous.

Vincent pretended to faint from hunger to the amusement of the children.

Okay, Daddy! the children chorused as they scurried back to their tasks.

Natalie and Helen began vigorously sweeping the floor. As they neared Thomas, he moved behind the counter to stay out of their way.

Pop Pop, if we finish quickly, will you tell us a story before we go back upstairs? Natalie loved to listen to their grandfather’s stories.

Yes, we want a story! We want a story! Helen, Caitlin, and Kevin chimed in.

Thomas smiled slyly. Work first, and then we will see about the story, he said as he gently prodded them back to their chores.

2

Three Moons Bakery & Café

The possibility of a story spurred the children on to tackle their work with renewed enthusiasm. Soon the café was clean and ready for Monday morning.

Mrs. Holmes came in from the kitchen carrying her sweater and purse. Well, I’ll be going now, she said as she slipped her arms into her sweater. You children did a wonderful job! Thanks for your help!

The children beamed with pride at the compliment.

Well, Matilda, another honest day’s work, Thomas said as he escorted her to the door.

Yes, Thomas! Mrs. Holmes answered cheerily. See you bright and early Monday morning.

The children hugged Mrs. Holmes goodbye. Thomas held the door open for her, and she waved to everyone as she walked out. As Mrs. Holmes stepped down from the front porch to the sidewalk, she paused briefly, put on her sunglasses, and studied the sky. The sun was still blazing as if it were high noon.

That sky has been eerie all day! she muttered to herself.

Despite the warmth of the late-afternoon sun, she shivered slightly, buttoned her sweater protectively around her, and walked briskly to her car.

Thomas stood at the window and waited until Mrs. Holmes drove away before closing the café curtains. Next he locked the front door. Then he sat down at one of the tables near the back. The children ran to join him. Helen and Caitlin both climbed onto his lap.

Now, girls, how about if you take turns on my lap? My legs are tired from a long day of work. Caitlin, you sat on my lap for yesterday’s story, so it’s Helen’s turn.

Caitlin frowned, but she moved to the chair next to her grandfather. Thomas kissed the top of her head, and she soon smiled as she leaned against his arm. Natalie and Kevin sat down too, eager for the story to begin.

What story are you going to tell us today, Pop Pop? Will there be talking animals in the story? The golden flecks in Natalie’s brown eyes sparkled. She loved stories that included talking animals.

Well, I think I will tell you the story of how we came to live in Rose Glen. I’ve never told you that one. There are no talking animals in the story, but your mommy and daddy and grandma are all in the story.

The children clapped their hands in delight. They truly enjoyed stories about their family.

So let’s begin. Once upon a time— Thomas said dramatically.

Oh, Pop Pop, interrupted Natalie with an exasperated sigh, only fairy tales begin with once upon a time.

Now who is telling the story here? asked Thomas as he removed his reading glasses from their perch atop his head and tucked them into his shirt pocket. I happen to believe that all good stories should begin with ‘once upon a time.’ So with your kind permission, I would like to continue.

The children nodded their assent and gave Thomas their full attention.

So where was I? Oh yes! Once upon a time, there was a father, a mother, their daughter, and their daughter’s husband. They had journeyed from a place far, far away and were looking for a friendly town in which to start a new life. They saw many towns in their travels, but some towns were too big, and some were too small. Soon they came upon the town of Rose Glen. It was just the right size, and they really liked the name because the mother’s name was Rosamund. Rosamund from Rose Glen! It had a pleasant ring to it, so they decided to try this town. They looked for a place to live and a suitable building for their business.

Kevin bounced in his chair and waved his hand excitedly. I bet they were looking for a building with a big kitchen because they wanted to open a bakery, he said confidently.

Right you are, clever boy, Thomas said, smiling at his grandson. "After considering several options, the family finally decided that they wanted to open a small bakery and café. They began their search for a possible location by walking from one end of the town to the other. Rosamund really believed that you could only get to know a place if you explored it on foot.

On one of their walks, they came across a rather sad-looking building for sale at the end of Main Street. Somehow it did not seem to belong with the rest of the shops and restaurants on the street. In fact, the building looked lonely if, indeed, a building can be lonely. Thomas winked and then continued.

They went to the real estate office listed on the ‘For Sale’ sign to inquire about the cost of the building. They found out that it was inexpensive because it needed a lot of work. But the building included two good-sized apartments on the second floor, which would serve as ideal living spaces. The first floor had once been used for a restaurant, so it had a large kitchen in the back. Since the building combined living and working spaces, the family decided to buy it and fix it up themselves. So that is what they did.

I wish I had been there, said Caitlin. I would have been a big help fixing it up.

I would have been a big help too, added Helen, peering up into her grandfather’s eyes.

"I’m sure you would all have been very helpful, but none of you were born yet. But come to think of it, your mother was pregnant with Natalie, so in a way, she was there. Of course, we didn’t know she was Natalie at the time because we didn’t know if she was a boy or a girl. But that’s another story. Do you want to hear the rest of this story before we have our afternoon break? It’s almost time for tea, and I, for one, could use a little bite to eat."

Yes, Pop Pop, please finish the story, the children eagerly replied.

All right then, I shall continue. So the family fixed up the building and opened the café. The café was very successful because everyone in the town enjoyed the wonderful homemade food. People came from miles around every morning for a cup of Two Suns Breakfast Blend, which was a coffee blend that had been passed down through the Stone family for generations. In the afternoon, the ladies of the town came in for a cup of moonlight tea and one of Rosamund’s delicious mini scones. They especially liked the tea, which is our special blend of a fine black tea with a hint of pineapple and a few other secret ingredients. By the way, we never divulge our secret ingredients.

Thomas winked conspiratorially at the children, who crossed their hearts as a sign of their promise to keep the family’s secrets.

Moonlight tea is one of my favorites, Helen said.

It is luscious, added Caitlin emphatically. "Luscious is my new favorite word."

If some people would quit interrupting, we could hear the rest of the story, said Kevin. His blue eyes flashed with annoyance at his sisters’ comments.

Thomas smiled indulgently at his grandchildren’s interactions. Then he cleared his throat loudly to regain their attention and signal an end to their squabbling.

Getting back to the story—he paused for effect—the ladies said the tea and cookies helped fortify them to get through their evening work, including the hustle and bustle of dinner preparations, helping their children with homework, and getting everyone ready for bed.

Thomas paused and surveyed the four faces hanging on his every word. With a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes, he continued, Then Vincent and Violet had Natalie, plus three other wonderful children for her to boss around, and everyone lived happily ever after. The end. Now let’s go have our tea.

Oh, Pop Pop! they all cried. That wasn’t a very long story.

Thomas chuckled at their disappointment. Well, it’s hard to tell a story on an empty stomach. Perhaps Grandma will tell you one of her magical bedtime stories tonight if you are very good. Come on! Let’s get upstairs!

3

Teatime

Thomas and the four children went upstairs to the Stewarts’ apartment. Vincent had slipped out during the story and was already there.

Rosamund and Violet had taken the bread and rolls out of the oven to cool. The steaming teapot was already on the table. The fragrance of moonlight tea and the aroma of fresh-baked bread gave everyone a feeling of warmth and well-being.

Mommy, Kevin said, "Pop Pop told us a very short story. We wanted a long story."

Oh, Kevin, his mother said with a laugh. You should be used to Pop Pop by now. You know he likes to start a story, and once he gets you all interested, he likes to end it quickly. I bet if you put all of Pop Pop’s short stories together, you would have an entire book. Anyway, I thought you were all starved. Shall we sit down and have our tea?

Everyone sat down, and Thomas offered a short blessing over the food. Rosamund poured the tea while Violet passed the rolls, butter, and jam around the table.

Now let’s eat, said Vincent. The smell of the lovers’ bread baking this afternoon gave me quite the appetite.

Daddy, why do you always call it lovers’ bread? asked Helen as she munched on her hot buttered roll and sipped her tea in a ladylike fashion.

Well, you better have Grandma tell you that story. Rosamund, have you never told your grandchildren the story of lovers’ bread?

Well, Vincent, maybe I haven’t, but I am sure that I told you and Violet many times.

Yes, Mother, you told us, but I don’t think we ever told the children. I think they would like to hear the story, replied Violet as she poured herself another cup of tea.

"Well, okay, here goes. My great-grandmother—her name was Catherine by the way—was very young when she got married, and she really did not know how to cook or bake. In those days, most girls, and some boys too, learned how to bake and cook when they were young. However, Catherine was not like most girls. She preferred running and climbing trees. She also spent hours studying herbs and plants with her grandmother, who used them to make medicines to treat the sick people in their town. That’s why Catherine never learned to bake bread, but she did take over her grandmother’s healing practice when her grandmother died. You may not know this either, but Caitlin was named after my great-grandmother. And it appears to me that she is already following in her great-great-great-grandmother’s shoes what with all her tumbling and gymnastics. She even has auburn hair like Catherine."

Rosamund winked at Caitlin, who, in turn, got up from her seat and did a somersault.

I am named after my great-great-great-grandmother, she said proudly.

Rosamund laughed. "Now where was I? Oh yes! I need to finish the story about lovers’ bread. You now know that Catherine became the town’s healer. Although that kept her busy, she was still determined to learn how to cook and bake, but she had no clue where to begin. Her sisters had given her a basic cookbook as a wedding present. Catherine used it to prepare simple meals, but she had trouble when it came to baking. Her bread usually turned out either underbaked or too hard to eat.

"Fortunately, Catherine was very bright and loved to