She thought for several minutes and said, “I don’t believe you can prove it, so yes, I agree to your terms.”
Carson pulled the receipt from his coat pocket and handed it to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister turned and asked Dimitrios to authenticate the document. Dimitrios left the room with the receipt without hesitation. The Councilwoman was bitter and tried to get out of the agreement saying Carson Jones tricked her. That he had the document and didn’t disclose the presence of the receipt.
The Prime Minister held up his hand and told her, “You agreed to the terms of the verbal contract. You must abide by the ruling.”
Vivion was speaking with Airabelle and Bev. Charles was standing with Carson, his stomach was turning and in knots with the worry of possibly losing Airabelle.
Carson placed his hand on Charles’ shoulder and said, “Charles no matter what, I will continue to fight for Airabelle and Airasten. I promise I will never give up.” Airasten started to tell them things that he could see around him. Charles moved objects until Airasten was discovered. The Prime Minister went over to Airasten and began talking to him. Charles freed him from the rusty cage. The two birds were reunited and perched together as close as they could get. The Prime Minister asked Airasten about the night he was taken and if Vivion did indeed reveal the truth? He confirmed her testimony. The Prime Minister had a lengthy discussion with the birds about their past treatment and how they felt about the situation. He asked Airasten if he remembered his past, and who owned them prior, and how he came to be in his present circumstances.
The Prime Minister never received the answer. Dimitrios returned and whispered in his ear. The Prime Minister turned to Carson and the Councilwoman. He cleared his throat and said, “It’s not always easy to resolve matters because of the circumstances involved. This would have been a matter to be researched in our archives. However, even before I was given the receipt, I suspected my answer would be based on the testimony of Vivion. I find Carson Jones to be the true and rightful owner of the two birds in question. My decision is final and shall not be reviewed again throughout time.” After the Prime Minister issued his statement, he turned and left. Dimitrios returned the receipt to Carson. He collected the birds in the cage and also handed it to Carson.
The Councilwoman began crying. Her husband tried to soothe her. She came over and apologized to Carson. “I am happy they are reunited. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The two birds began singing. Bev thanked Vivion. Vivion talked to Airabelle for a short time before they said their goodbyes. Vivion told her that the secret to happiness was to remain a set. Her classified name was the “Blue Bird of Love and Fortune.” Only one mate exists for her. Everyone thanked Vivion. When Airabelle was ready Carson closed the journal; Vivion’s image disappeared.
Before leaving Charles thanked the Councilwoman and shook her hand. She fumbled for words as she expressed her sorrow for her attitude saying, “I am honestly happy Vivion brought the two back together and righted a wrong.” Charles shook her hand. She embraced Charles and asked for forgiveness.
He told her, “I understand why you would want to have them reunited in your care. I have come to be very fond of Airabelle. I promise to take care of Airasten as well.” Dimitrios escorted them to his flat. He asked if he could provide dinner in since they had missed the evening meal provided by the Council. They agreed and thanked him. Dimitrios made sure they were settled and left. Within thirty minutes the food was delivered to the flat. As they ate, they discussed how happy they all were to be a complete family, together at last.
Airasten began to open up and tell his story. Once he was separated from Airabelle, and ended up in the custody of a criminal Sojourner he fell into a dream-like state until that afternoon. The Sojourner who stole him was a relative of the Councilwoman. Airasten refused to come out of his dream-like state while in the family’s possession. His heart was broken and he was worried they would continue to search for Airabelle in order to complete their union. He decided that to keep her safe he would remain asleep. His magic secret had long since been forgotten through the years and he had given up hope. As a result he was thrown up in the attic. He was no more than a statue and was left to go through time, lost in the dusty attic. Airabelle snuggled close to him.
The next morning Carson and Bev decided to take Charles on a quick tour of Paris and then head home. Carson said, “There will always be Paris.” He promised to bring them back another time. Everyone agreed. They returned to the little café and ate breakfast. After their meal they took a quick tour of the Arc de Triumph and the Eiffel Tower. They decided to visit the Louvre on a hurried tour and then head back to the flat to check on Airabelle and Airasten.
After the excitement of the last few days everyone was tired and ready to go home. When they returned to the flat Cassia was waiting for them with Charles’ journal. Carson explained that they were ready to return home. Cassia heard the rustle of wings. When she turned to look in the direction of the sound, she gasped in surprise. What a spectacular sight the two beautiful birds made. Carson and Bev took turns telling the tale of Airabelle and Airasten. Cassia was so moved she cried. The group talked a while longer before Cassia called for the Hub Hops to come and gather their things. She then placed a call for the International Sojourners’ Escorts to help them travel nonstop to their Passageway. They thanked Cassia for her help.
Airabelle rode on Charles’ arm and Airasten rode on Carson’s shoulder all the way back to the Hub. Carson tipped the escorts and the Hub Hops once they reached their primary Passageway. A gift was waiting for them beside the entrance. The gift was so large both Carson and Charles were needed to carry it. It required careful maneuvering to transport the gift through the Passageway.
Bev unwrapped the gift as soon as they set it down in the office. Under the wrapping was a beautiful large intricately made wrought iron birdcage. She read the lovely card signed by the Prime Minister and Dimitrios. “What a thoughtful and delightful gift,” she said.
“What an adventure,” stated Carson. “We may not have walked away with what we went to Paris for but we got something better, Airasten.” Everyone cheered!
Bev said, “We are proud of you Charles.” Carson agreed.
It was stuffy in the office so Carson walked over, opened the office door and left it open. Esmond appeared at the door with a lady friend. When he hopped in everyone laughed. Esmond and Airabelle were so happy for each other. Everyone visited and related their tales. When they finished catching up on all the news Esmond and Raine made their way back to the pond.
CHAPTER 34
Back in Paris the Prime Minister hosted the official dinner party and dance. He and Dimitrios met with each of the Council members and explained why they did not have the formal vote earlier. The Prime Minister announced the vote would take place the next day. As they spoke with each of the Council members both men tried to get a feeling for how each member would likely vote during the next day’s meeting. Not one Council member was decided on who should be the next in line for the Prime Minister’s position. The news made Dimitrios happy. He was afraid he would have his work cut out for him at tomorrow’s meeting debating his reasons for his choice; but if the members were still undecided at this time he believed they were not ready to agree with the Prime Minister’s choice either. Dimitrios was certain the Prime Minister wasn’t even convinced in his pick. Dimitrios watched and listened throughout the night to what was being said. He took careful mental notes. He would share what he learned with Cassia and tonight they would burn the midnight oil to make sure they had good arguments for their case tomorrow.
**********
After the festivities Cassia was waiting for Dimitrios in the office. She had everything lined out for all the arguments as to why Charles should receive the vote of each Council member. They spent the evening together until well after midnight, going over every reason for and every argument they thought might come up. Dimitrios slept in the office. Cas
sia made sure he had everything set out and ready for the morning. She set the alarm and covered him with a blanket before letting herself out. She walked down the street and to his apartment before going home. She left a note for Dimitrios on the kitchen table informing him that she was taking the next day off work so she could sleep in. She knew he would understand when he read it that she wouldn’t actually follow through. She never did, it just made her feel better. She went home and removed her shoes before she crawled into bed. She didn’t have the energy for anything more.
The next morning the alarm woke Dimitrios. He sat up with a start remembering he didn’t set an alarm. He reached over to turn it off and thanked his lucky stars for Cassia. She always had her t’s crossed and i’s dotted. She made him look good. He looked around and saw in the dark corner his pressed suit and tie hanging on the valet stand. Dimitrios was grateful for Cassia’s assistance. It was a good thing his office bathroom had a shower with amenities. Time and time again it had come in handy. He rolled off the couch and slowly walked to the bathroom to get ready.
The shower helped his stiff back and sore body. He fought the steam fogging up the mirror as he tied his tie. He was pleasantly surprised that he had minutes to spare as he walked out the office door. He looked at his watch and saw he would be just in time to catch the Prime Minister on his way to the meeting. He soon caught up with the Prime Minister. As they walked to the Council meeting, the two men discussed the events of the day before. Neither wanted to expose their thoughts for the meeting ahead. Dimitrios was glad that in his other lifetime he had been an attorney. That gave him a slight advantage for the debates to come.
Once the two gentlemen walked through the door, the guard closed it behind them and the meeting began. The Prime Minister immediately called the meeting to order. The Council members were all very solemn. They all looked around the table at their peers wondering how this was going to turn out. They had two very strong candidates brought to them and they were torn as to whom they should choose. The Prime Minister began the meeting by giving instructions to the Council members. He asked them to keep an open mind until both he and Dimitrios finished their presentations. Then at that time they would be able to ask one question each. After that they would have a vote that would be cast in silence using their crystals. The results would then be revealed by a color vote, insuring they would not be tempted to change their mind based on their peers’ votes. The Prime Minister then asked if they had questions. No one needed any further explanation, so he informed the members the meeting would proceed.
He asked Dimitrios to come forward. Soon they would both choose from straws to see who would present arguments for their chosen candidate first. The one who drew the longest stick would be the first to debate. To be certain that no one had previous knowledge of the straws’ lengths, the Prime Minister had previously asked the representative from China to prepare a model using a large styrofoam ball and colored sticks that were of different sizes for each to choose from. Both the Prime Minister and Dimitrios agreed that they would each give their presentation in the order decided by the straws. Following both presentations, the one who went first would be given a chance to make a final argument, if they so desired.
The Prime Minister asked the representative from China to bring the model and set it on the table. Everyone studied the work of art she set on the table. It was deceptive because the sticks were all different sizes sticking out of the Styrofoam ball. Dimitrios and the Prime Minister each chose a colored stick and pulled it out. At the same time they held their sticks up for comparison. Dimitrios would go first. He and the Prime Minister shook hands before he began his presentation. The Council members were anxiously anticipating the debate between these two friends. They knew both gentlemen would have different styles.
Dimitrios began his presentation by quickly presenting the duties of a Prime Minister. Then he listed the qualities needed in a leader. Once he did that he began speaking about his own personal duties as the Assistant to the Prime Minister and what he had learned by observing and serving with the current Prime Minister in his position. He continued his presentation as to what his role would be working with the family of the future Prime Minister in a mentor role.
Once he laid that foundation he began to tell his story of why he felt Charles was the candidate they should choose. He began by explaining to them how once he accepted the role as the future mentor, and once his role was defined for him, he started right away searching the globe for possible candidates. Dimitrios explained to them that the process began with one hundred possible candidates and over time they were all eliminated, except for the final two. This process was on-going and was started long before these two candidates were even Sojourners. Dimitrios explained how the procedure continued by carefully going through the Sojourner lineage and active records. Dimitrios went through Charles’ impressive Sojourners’ Family Tree, which linked him to Prime Minister Hayward Thomasen. Then he went into detailed accounts of Charles throughout the years. He conducted secret interviews and devised ways in which to gather information about his candidate. Then, finally he had a meeting with Charles. He gave detailed accounts of the meeting. Several times they laughed as he embellished the story for them. This led him to tell of Charles’ good sense of humor. He explained the extensive training process that he went through in order to prepare for the interview.
Then he took Charles’ journal out from his briefcase. The Council members were all fascinated and amused by this creation. They had never seen anything like it before. Some of them were even standing up trying to get closer to see what he had created. Finally Dimitrios concluded that Charles had demonstrated time and time again that he was a leader through his actions and that he was willing to take the time to learn. He concluded that he would personally recommend Charles Brookfield to become the Prime Minister’s apprentice.
The Prime Minister was enjoying Dimitrios’ presentation. He sat smiling as all eyes turned to him. When he realized what had happened he quickly gave a cough to clear his throat as he stood up and began the argument for his candidate. His candidate was impressive in his own right. He spoke nine languages fluently. He came from an old Sojourners’ Family lineage. He was a young member of the Old Secret Society of Sojourners. His education resume was very impressive. The Prime Minister also added that Yuri had plans to continue his studies in different countries over the next couple of years. He also shared Yuri’s journals. The journals were impressive but lacked the creativity of Charles’ journal.
Both presentations were very persuasive. The Council members looked around the table at each other. No one said anything for a long pause until the Councilwoman who owned Airasten prior to the meeting, stood up and shared her recent story of what took place with Charles at her estate. She told the whole story of Airasten belonging to her grandfather as she was growing up. She also shared the truth of how Airasten came to be with her family. Then, she told of Charles’ integrity and how he demonstrated compassion toward her even after she made a mistake. She said in that brief encounter she learned a lot about what kind of gentleman he was becoming. The Council members all nodded as she shared her story.
The Prime Minister asked if anyone had any questions to ask either of them. There was another long pause as each member considered if they should ask a question. The Prime Minister waited longer. Finally he asked everyone to take out their crystal and cast their vote. If they voted for Yuri their crystal would be green, if they voted for Charles their crystal would be blue. They cast their votes. All the crystals they held in their hands went dark as they held them in front of themselves. The Prime Minister called roll and one by one around the table the vote was revealed….
CHAPTER 35
Donovan said to Joseph, “Time to go.” He gathered his things and took the cash and padded envelope from his safe.
He gave orders to Non, his second in command, “From now on Non, I expect you to be able to deal with Adam or any situation that comes up no ma
tter how large or small. You have my authority to deal with anyone in the Unknown Sector. If they don’t listen I will take care of it when I return.” Non maintained his silence.
They walked through to the other side. Only Donovan and Joseph knew his real name. Everyone in the Unknown Sector or the Netherworld understood the name. Non is short for the nonexistence of people or problems. No one wanted to cross him.
CHAPTER 36
Charles followed Bev and Carson as they walked to the house. Once they entered he made his way up the stairs to his bedroom. He lay across the bed and took a catnap. He was hoping a nap would help the headache he had developed. He was so tired he slept for several hours. When he awoke Charles went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face before going downstairs. He walked through the silent house and noticed no one was inside. He figured they must be in the office. Charles walked out of the house and went to see what Nana and Paw Paw were doing. It was overcast outside and a little chilly. He jogged to the office and knocked before entering. Charles was surprised to see the Prime Minister and Dimitrios talking with Bev and Carson. Charles walked over and shook their hands. Everyone sat down in a chair except the Prime Minister and Charles, who remained standing.
The Prime Minister said to Charles, “The Council members had their concluding meeting early this morning. It was a hard decision for the members who had to make the tough choice. Dimitrios worked very hard and presented a gallant argument. In the end only one candidate would be found that displayed the leadership qualities we were looking for. This individual was someone that we felt was mature beyond his years and capable of handling the pressures that will come his way as time goes on.” Carson and Bev looked at each other unsure of where he was going with this statement.
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 43
