"How long have I been gone?" "Four years," he said, moving his hands back to my arms. A sickening rush started at the top of my head and went down my entire body, leaving my knees weak. I turned my head and dropped my chin shamefully. I can't look at him. Vance kept his hands wrapped around the top of my arms tightly. "We've been trying to find you the whole time," he said. "We couldn't control it. It was only by chance that I caught you. We had been trying to tunnel you-to catch your attention. I saw you a couple of times, but I couldn't get you to take it. I knew you didn't understand. I thought I had lost you forever, Beverly." ________________________________________ In 1812 Vikoyri, Norway, an injured stranger, respectfully referred to as the Elder, bestowed a gift on the people of a small village. Centuries later they are only beginning to understand its potential and its price. Living in modern day Montana and nearly untouched by the aging process, The Elder Effect is still a mystery to them. All they know is that they can tunnel through time and space. When a dangerous stranger begins stalking the group, they are forced to explore their potential, and the source of their strength. Will Vance and Beverly bring everyone back together in time to save them? Will they be able to defend themselves against an unknown force? With an uncertain future, the mysterious words spoken by the Elder so long ago begin to make sense. The key to their survival lies in Norway, where it all began. Will their past, present, and future be destroyed at the hand of their own ignorance? Can Beverly save her family before all is lost? Will they ever learn the reason for the gift? Find out in this unforgettable story of love, trust, and friendship. Look for Vital Perception, the continuing story of our beloved villagers.