Massive twin chandeliers twinkled dimly above them, giving off just enough light for the pair to avoid the series of athletic equipment scattered throughout the pale green-carpeted room.
“What is this place?” Jack asked. “It smells like an old gym.” He squinted at a ten-foot high pile of thick mats resembling a pyramid.
“This is where your adventure will take place.” She stopped in front of a large wooden door at the far end of the room. “Dr. Strong’s office is through that door. I’ll return for you in one hour.”
Shala spun around and headed toward the elevator. Jack’s eyes focused on her curvaceous, swaying hips as she glided across the room.
Shaking off her tantalizing effect, he knocked softly on the large ornate door. Receiving no reply, he pushed it open. A tall, white-haired man strode across the large room toward him.
Unlike the previous room, the light in the doctor’s office was bright. The room smelled musty from the clutter. Piles of books of every size and shape were stacked high along all four walls. Amidst the worn, dusty shelves were beakers filled with thick dark liquids, clay flasks stopped with large corks and small cloth bags stuffed full of unknown treasures. Intricately carved figures decorated the dark wood of the desk. All sorts of gargoyles and bat-like creatures ran along the side and front panels. A pile of dark-colored polished stones was all that sat on a large desk.
Dr. Strong held out his hand and addressed Jack, “Jack Tyler, this is an unexpected turn of events. Although I’m sure, we’ll have no trouble compensating.” The broad-shouldered doctor had an iron grip. He looked more than three times Jack’s age, but walked with the strength and agility of a much younger man.
“That’s good to hear, Doc. I’d hate to have to explain to the others our trip up here was a waste of time.” Jack sat down in an old high-backed chair that sank so deeply with his weight he could feel the wood base.
Walking around to sit behind a large oak desk situated in the center of all the clutter, “No more than I, Mr. Tyler.”
The doctor’s cold smile set Jack’s senses on alert. “So tell me Dr. Strong, exactly what kind of a doctor are you? I mean what type of degree is necessary to be considered an expert in hypnosis?” Jack leaned forward in the chair.
Dr. Strong smiled and said, “I have a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Chicago. However, my expertise in hypnosis comes from years of personal study. My father was a Psychiatrist obsessed with the inner workings of the mind. His goal in life was to enter into the depths of the human thought process through hypnosis. He believed it to be the key to unlocking mental illness.” Dr. Strong’s dark gray eyes searched Jack with such scrutiny Jack felt as if he was a bug under a microscope. “But enough of me. I will explain everything you need to know about the procedure tomorrow morning before we begin. What I would like to do now is discuss your personal background.”
“I’m afraid I’m not very interesting.”
The doctor leaned forward clasping his hands together on the desk. “It is essential that I have a concept of the type of person you are. I want to know where you grew up. Who were your family life and the extent of your education?”
“Well, I’m a corporate travel consultant with a large firm in St. Louis. I handle international flights and tours for several of our larger corporate clients. My mother died of cancer when I was five; my father passed a few years after her. I was a pretty disruptive child.
I grew up in Maine, in a series of foster homes. Most were great; they took decent care of me, a few were not. Right, before I turned eleven, I landed at the Tyler’s home, and they decided to adopt me. They were old enough to be my grandparents, but I had a good home and lots of love. I graduated from high school, went to a trade school and here I am.” Jack squirmed in his seat and cracked his knuckles. He was uncomfortable, telling his life story to a stranger and wanted to get the meeting over with quickly.
“I see. You may well be the only person I’ve ever met that’s capable of describing their entire life in less than sixty seconds,” Dr. Strong said. He leaned back in his chair and picked up one of the polished stones from the desk and began to examine it. “Are you satisfied with your life, Mr. Tyler?”
“Satisfied?” Jack stared back, hesitating, trying to figure out where the doctor was going with his questions. “I enjoy what I’m doing. I get to travel all over the world for practically nothing. I have experienced more adventures than my hard working, high paid corporate friends. Travel isn’t a high paying profession, but it’s not a bad job.”
“How old were you when you arrived at the Tyler’s home?”
Jack shifted in his chair and began tapping his toe. “Twelve. Are you making a point?”
“What did twelve-year-old Jack want to be when he grew up?” Dr. Strong continued. If he was affected by Jack’s growing annoyance, he didn’t show it.
“Most of my friends wanted to be a space warrior. I wanted to be a firefighter. That was my new dad’s job. He was the only real hero I’d ever known,” Jack answered. “But I daydreamed a lot about fighting my way through the galaxy.”
“Dreams of adventure with a practical attitude,” Dr. Strong said. He sat back in his chair staring at Jack.
“You’ve condensed my life into one simple sentence,” Jack stated. “I’m not sure I like that.”
“I meant no offense. You seem to have your priorities in order. The realization that life is an upward climb does not appear to cause you any distress. It is enough for me to discern that you will do fine with the barbarian identity.” Dr. Strong rose from his chair and walked around towards Jack. “Tell me, how you met your friends? “
“Todd Hopper lived next door. We were inseparable from the time I arrived at the Tyler’s. His family didn’t hesitate to reach out to me despite my past. Todd has a large family, mostly brothers, and his parents understood my foster parents were older and not very active. They let me hang out with them, and included me in all of their family outings. I was part of their family. The Tylers loved me and cared for me; the Hoppers taught me what a real family was.” Jack paused for a moment then continued. “As for Sarah, she met Hopper in college several years ago. They were best of friends forever then recently started dating. She is a brilliant, sweet kid. She appears shy at first, but once you get to know her, she is quite a charmer. Sarah is perfect for Hopper. As for Nicole, she is my best friend Tom’s girl. Tom grew up on the other side of town, where the kids all had a brand new car at age 16 and went to Europe or Hawaii on spring break. He’s a corporate attorney headed for politics. Nicole is as full of ambition as Tom. He thinks they make the perfect political couple. I am not sure Nicole will do well in politics. Although it’s very likely that one day Tom will run for President, so if she sticks with him she could be the first lady one day.”
“Thank you, I will leave you to your studies, Mr. Tyler. If you want to enjoy your adventure, it is essential you comprehend the material Shala has given you. Good night Mr. Tyler.”
Jack rose and shook the doctor’s hand. He was pleased the interview was ending. “I’ve got to admit, you’ve peaked my interest. This place is full of character. That Olympic stadium you’ve got in the next room shows a lot of promise.”
“It’s all part of the adventure. I am merely setting the mood. It will make the transition much easier for all of you.” Dr. Strong’s eyes grew dark as he glanced past Jack toward the office door. The stocky little man stood silently waiting as Dr. Strong concluded the session. “Homun will show you to your to room. I’m afraid Shala has a few tasks she must complete before tomorrow.”
Forbidden Quest, 2nd Edition Page 3
