She said, “Charles, the crystal Carson gave you was Vivion’s. It’s very powerful. After you learn more about manipulating crystals, we will share more about this particular Sojourners’ tool. I am going to help you become familiar with your crystal and the things it can do. Once you are trained you will never need any other crystal. The power it wields rivals the one the Prime Minister himself carries. The only difference might be the fact that he has worked with his a lot longer. Experience equals power in the realm of crystal wielding.”
Charles thanked her. He picked up the manual and began to read. His thoughts drifted to what she said. He was amazed that Paw Paw would give him something so powerful. He was determined he would master the art of using this crystal. Charles picked up the crystal and began demonstrating the techniques outlined in the guidebook. Charles learned how to levitate the crystal, make it light up the room, change his voice and even store images inside it. He read through several more chapters. Carson gathered his things. Charles gave him the manual so he could return it to the safe shelf.
Carson said, “We usually don’t take any manuals or guidebooks from the office. They should be kept here for safekeeping. These are extremely valuable because only a few guidebooks for crystals are still in existence. Most Sojourners just practice with their crystals, or they hire a Crystal Trainer to teach them.” He put the manual on the shelf and secured it. “Shall we take a break?” Charles nodded and handed Carson the crystal to place in the vault drawer.
Airabelle went to her birdhouse. They placed Esmond in his aquarium before they secured the office. Carson put their glasses back in his desk. Then they walked to the house. On the way Carson looked at Charles. He stopped and said, “Charles, I asked Airabelle to tell you about Vivion’s crystal.”
“She did.”
“Airabelle will be a big help to you as you learn. As far as we know she is one of a kind. One day soon she will belong to you.”
Charles stared at Carson and said, “She will belong to me? I don’t understand. She belongs to you.”
“No, she doesn’t belong to me. However, I have grown to care for her while I have been her caretaker. We have become buddies. I don’t share her Sojourner telepathy. One day she will be more useful to you. She needs to belong to a Sojourner who shares that particular gift with her. You have already shown a bond with her and it will continue to develop over time. She will be like a best friend in many ways.”
“I don’t know what to say…”
“We can talk about it more later. I just thought I would let you know that you will be training with her. She is an excellent trainer.” Charles nodded.
CHAPTER 27
They walked into the house. Margaret was standing at the sink peeling peaches with Cynthia and Caroline. Nana was making a crust for her peach cobbler. Charles reminded Carson that he would be fishing with Peter. Carson told him where to find the tackle box and the fishing poles. Charles went over to Caroline. She gave him a peach to eat.
Cynthia said, “Hey now, don’t be too nice to him or he won’t go away.”
Charles laughed, “I am not going anywhere. What are you talking about?”
Charles asked Bev how the market was going for his mom and Gretchen.
“When your mom dropped the girls off she said it was going great! They will be showing a profit soon. The local farmers are bringing in their best produce. They have some local ladies, known to be good cooks, helping in the kitchen making pastries from their best recipes to sell.”
Charles smiled. He could just see the old farmers in overalls lining up to buy those cakes and flirt with the women in the kitchen. He sat down at the table. When they finished making the peach cobblers the girls joined him. Nana and Margaret prepared sandwiches and macaroni salad for lunch. Peter showed up just in time for lunch. Cynthia was glad to see him. She fixed his lunch plate for him.
Peter told them about his day at the factory. He was glad to be finished for the day. After they ate the boys left to go fishing. They rummaged through the garage looking for the things they needed. Once they found the fishing tackle, rods and gear they wanted they headed toward the pond. When the young men reached the pond, they placed their gear in the boat. They took off their shirts and shoes. Charles took the old pail and filled it with water. He placed it in the boat. They waded out and jumped in the boat. When they reached the middle of the pond they got their poles ready, baited their hooks and cast their lines. They sat silently. Charles knew Peter couldn’t be quiet for long, but at least he was learning to whisper. Peter was fidgeting with the tackle box.
Charles whispered, “What’s the matter with you? Be quiet.”
Peter stopped and put a hat on. Charles held out his hand for one. Peter reached around and gave him one. Peter whispered, “Do you think we will catch anything out here?”
“Not if you aren’t quiet.”
Peter smiled. They sat quietly for a moment. “What do you think the girls are doing?”
“I don’t know Peter.”
“The fish aren’t biting today.”
“Peter, we just got here!” Charles shoved the air as if to tell him to be quiet. Charles had a lot to think about so he was grateful for the peace and quiet, obviously Peter wasn’t. Peter was at it again fidgeting around. Charles looked at him. He was becoming annoyed that Peter couldn’t sit still. “Would you sit still?”
“Shhhh, you’ll scare the fish away.” Peter put his pointer finger to his mouth.
Charles shook his head. About twenty minutes went by before Charles got a bite on his line. He pulled and tugged till he lifted a medium-sized fish in the boat. Peter grabbed it and put it in the pail.
Peter said, “I wish I could catch one.”
“Maybe if you’d be quiet you might. I bet you can’t stay quiet for half an hour.” Peter smirked and said, “I bet I could.” Charles stuck out his hand to shake on it.
“What do I win?”
“See what I mean? That is what I am talking about.”
Peter groaned.
After several hours they decided to row to the shore; it was hot and they were getting tired. They caught four average-size fish and that was enough. Peter and Charles jumped out of the boat and brought it onto the shore. They put the boat back the way it was. Then they put their shirts, socks and shoes on, gathered their fishing things and headed back to the house.
When they returned to the house they took the fish to the back door. The kitchen door was open so they left the fish on the porch and went in. They went to the sink to wash their hands. They could hear the girls talking in the front room. Charles grabbed two glasses and began to pour iced tea. Peter was standing in the kitchen doorway. Charles brought the drink to him. Peter put his finger up so Charles would be quiet.
“What are you doing Peter?”
“I’m listening.”
“To what? You’re eavesdropping aren’t you?” He shoved Peter.
“Be quiet, or I won’t tell you.”
All of a sudden the girls laughed and Charles found himself listening. He was wondering what they were laughing about.
Sophie came running around the corner and yelled, “The boys are back! The boys are back!”
Cynthia jumped out of her chair and in a split second she was standing in the hall looking right at them. Sophie ran to Charles and jumped in his arms. Both he and Peter had a look on their face as if they’d been caught with their hand in the cookie jar, but for the life of him he didn’t know why he did. He didn’t hear anything…
Cynthia yelled, “How long have you two been standing there?”
Charles could hear Caroline coughing. He wondered if she was choking… or was she laughing? It all happened so fast he didn’t know. He couldn’t tell but he could see the look on Cynthia’s face, something told him that he and his friend ought to get the heck out of there.
Peter shrugged and said, “We just walked in from fishing.”
Cynthia was standing with her arms crossed. Thi
ngs weren’t looking very good for either of them at this point.
Charles set his glass down on the counter and turned to walk away, playing with Sophie. “Hey, I like your outfit… Do you tell fortunes?” He smirked: Peter, every man for himself, my friend when it comes to dealing with girls. No man in his right mind would be caught sticking around in that situation. I wonder if I should ask Sophie what the future holds for Peter if he doesn’t make a break for it?
Peter just stood there frozen like a statue facing Cynthia as if it was a stare down between the two of them. She finally convinced herself maybe he hadn’t been there long enough to hear anything important. Cynthia gave him a suspicious look as she slowly turned to walk back into the room with Caroline.
Sophie asked Charles what they caught while out on the pond. Charles took her onto the back porch and showed her the fish that were in the bucket. “Oh wow, can we keep them?”
“Keep them or eat them?”
“Yummm!” she said rubbing her tummy. “I predict: these are going to taste really good.”
Peter came out on the porch. He and Charles walked over to the picnic tables and sat on top of them. They began to clean and dress the fish.
Sophie went back inside because she heard Nana in the kitchen. He heard Sophie say to Nana, “Hold out your hand. I want to read your palm.”
Charles turned his attention to Peter. “What was that all about in the hall?”
Peter laughed and slapped his knee. “Oh, now you want to know. That’s funny? I noticed you left me back there.”
Charles smirked and said, “Are you going to tell me, or not?”
Peter said, “Okay, the girls were talking about us. I just happened to hear them before they knew we were back from fishing.”
“Well, I gathered that. What were they saying?”
“I think Caroline was saying something about…”
Cynthia was standing on the porch now. She yelled to Peter, “Peter, come here. I want to talk to you.”
Peter looked at Charles, and they busted out laughing. Charles said, “Hurry and tell me before you go over there.”
Cynthia called, “Peter.”
Peter leaned over to Charles and whispered in his ear. Then, he got up and went over to talk to Cynthia. After Cynthia talked to him, she went back inside. Peter came over and sat back down. They didn’t say anything. They continued to work on the fish.
Charles asked, “Was she mad?”
“Yep,” Peter replied with a grin.
Bev was shaking her head as Cynthia came back into the room. She said, “Boys will be boys.” Margaret laughed.
It was Caroline’s turn to move on the board. Cynthia plopped down in her chair. Caroline handed the dice to Sophie before she took her turn. “Come on doubles!” Sophie yelled as she blew on the dice. She tossed them onto the table. Sophie did a little dance.
Cynthia leaned over to Caroline and whispered in her ear before turning her attention back to Sophie. She wrinkled her nose at Sophie. Cynthia picked up the dice, shook them in her hand and blew on them before she tossed them on the table. “One, two, three, four…” She stretched over the table. “I win!”
Caroline smiled at Sophie. “Good game.”
Sophie shrugged and looked at Caroline. “You win some, you lose some. I have to let other people win sometimes. I can’t win all the time, or no one will play with me.” She shook her head as she helped clean up the board game.
Cynthia admitted, “You win most of the time Sophia.”
After they finished putting the board game away, Caroline went outside to where the boys were sitting. She sat down next to Charles. “Hi.”
He looked at her. “Hi. How’s the game going?”
“Cynthia won.”
Charles and Peter cleaned up their hands and used sanitizing wipes. Peter took the fish to the kitchen for Bev to put in the freezer. Charles reached over and took Caroline’s hand. They sat on lawn chairs under the tree, talking and enjoying the shade.
Sophie started to help in the kitchen, but ended up in the library with Paw Paw. He gave her a coloring book. She sat on the floor to color the pictures. Carson folded down the newspaper he was reading and said, “Miss Sophie, I love your jewelry. I just noticed you are dressed to the nines tonight.”
She looked up. “You do? Thank you.” Sophie was wearing Nana’s old costume jewelry. If it was one thing Sophie loved to do it was to dress up. She had a long colorful scarf wrapped around her head.
She looks like a gypsy: Carson thought. He smiled to himself. She is such a free spirit. He loved that about her. He watched her color the paper. She was concentrating on staying in the lines. He slid onto the floor and joined her. “Is there room enough for me to color with you?” She looked at him and handed him the crayons. They sat and colored until it was time to eat.
Dinner was delicious as always and everyone enjoyed each other’s company. When they finished everyone did their part to clean up.
The phone rang and Nana answered it. It was Molly checking on everyone. Nana asked how things were at the market. They talked for a while.
Peter’s parents came and picked him up. Not long after Peter left Margaret, Al and Caroline went home. Then, finally Molly came and picked up Sophie and Cynthia.
After everyone left Nana said to Charles, “I am so excited for you! What an honor. I can’t wait to go with you. I promise you, you have nothing to fear when you go and meet with the Council. You’ll be ready.”
He nodded and hugged her. He told them goodnight and went upstairs to read before falling asleep.
CHAPTER 28
Charles awoke to the smell of coffee coming from the kitchen. He kicked off the quilt that was tangled around his feet. He went through his morning routine of getting dressed and went downstairs to the kitchen.
Bev was cutting up cantaloupe at the sink. When she heard him come in, she turned and said, “Good morning. You’re up early.”
“Good morning, Nana. I want to help, if you need it.”
“Thank you.” Bev smiled and continued, “I’ve been considering the best possible way to go about your preparations for the upcoming journey. I talked to Paw Paw and we will begin your training tomorrow.”
She pointed to the coat hooks by the back door and said, “Would you please take those clothes back to the office for me when you go? I laundered and pressed them.”
Charles knew they were the clothes from his first adventure. He nodded and told her he would. “I’m wondering what I am in for when I go before the Council.”
Bev smiled over her shoulder. She turned to him and said, “Why Charles Brookfield, I never knew you to turn down a challenge. Don’t worry; you’re going to be surprised at how fun this is going to be. You are a natural and that is what the Sojourners’ Council already knows. I’m sure they have been watching you for quite some time. Whatever you have to go through to get the Council to take a closer look at you as a Sojourner, will reap great rewards for you in the future. The Prime Minister’s position is quite an honor.”
Charles understood what she was saying but he wasn’t so sure the Council would choose him over all the other experienced candidates.
Bev placed a bowl of cantaloupe and another bowl of berries on the table. Charles went to get the bowls, plates and glasses along with the juice. She returned with an egg casserole. They sat down to eat as Carson came in through the back door and joined them at the table. They talked about the farm and his meeting with Walter. The new tractor really saved work time. Walter was satisfied with the decision they made.
When they were finished eating, Charles took the pressed clothes from the hook and met Carson at the kitchen door. They said goodbye to Bev. Carson took the clothes from Charles and out the door they went. Charles grabbed the brown bag next to the door and stopped to look for crickets. He was getting rather good at finding the frog’s meals. He was beginning to anticipate where the food supply would be. After he gathered enough, he jogged to the offic
e.
Carson had already let the two friends out and had cleaned Esmond’s aquarium. Charles put Esmond back in, and fed him. Airabelle was on the lectern.
Carson had already retrieved the crystal guidebook. It was setting on the table.
Charles walked over to the table. He was amazed at the number of uses there were for crystals. He once thought crystals were just beautiful rocks. He had no idea the power they were able to wield in the Sojourner world. He wondered about the other gadgets Paw Paw had told him about in the Hub. He thought back to the kiosk and the man selling some of those gizmos. He pointed to the book and asked Carson if he wanted him to continue reading from the manual.
Carson agreed that it would be good idea. On the way back to his desk, he noticed Esmond had finished his meal, so Carson released him. He reached in his desk for their glasses. He laid his glasses on the desk, and handed Charles his pair. Then Carson went downstairs to the clothes library and returned the clothing.
Charles picked up the manual and sat down on the chair. Airabelle came and perched on the back of his chair. She was looking to see what he was reading in the manual. Charles looked up at her. He turned completely around in his chair. “I saw you reading.”
Carson had come back upstairs and sat down at his desk. He turned around and looked at Charles.
Airabelle cocked her head to the side. “What do you mean?”
“And I could feel you reading in my mind!”
Airabelle looked at Carson. He nodded.
“Can you read? And why am I reading your thoughts?”
Airabelle said, “The answer to the first question is yes, I can read. The answer to the second question is that you have the Sojourner’s gift that allows us to have a telepathic communication. We can mentally send pictures and thoughts to each other.”
Charles’ mouth dropped open. “Whoa! You know what I am thinking?”
“Technically, only if you allow me to know.”
Charles looked at Carson. Charles silently asked her if she knew what he was thinking yesterday. She laughed. “Do you want me to know?”
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 27
