Bev was shocked, “Did you ask to see them?”
“I told him I’d buy them all.”
Bev closed her eyes. “I hope he sells them. How amazing.”
“Now if we could just find a sponsor for Caroline,” said Carson. “Maybe Dimitrios with all of his connections will be able to find a sponsor. Time is running out.”
CHAPTER 72
The next morning Charles woke up and dressed. It was the day before the hearing for Caroline. He went downstairs to the kitchen. Bev was just about ready to walk out the back door. “Going somewhere?” he asked.
“To visit the bees and collect honey. Would you like to join me?”
“Sure.”
Bev grabbed a bag and put a blueberry bagel and an apple in it for Charles. They headed out the door. Charles ate on the way. He didn’t mind the long walk because he liked this part of the farm. He thought it was interesting to watch Nana charm the bees. She put her veil on and headed in the direction of the beehive. Walter’s son had been taking care of the bees. Since the last time Charles had been there the bees had doubled. Charles asked if he could help collect honey.
Bev said, “Maybe next time Charlie. I have a suit back in the shack that you can wear.”
Once she gathered the honey they went back to the shack. She set up the equipment. Charles helped to spin the honeycomb. Bev was pleased with what they had collected on this visit. They had been experimenting and the honey had a different color to it. They had introduced the bees to different flowers to pollinate. Charles assisted her in putting the honey in mason jars. She showed Charles the canning process to preserve the honey. They set the jars on the shelves and cleaned up the mess before heading back to the farmhouse.
On the way back to the house they ran into Gretchen who was going to collect the jars. She stopped and they talked for a moment. She asked how the honey turned out. Bev was happy to tell her about what they had gathered. Gretchen was eager to go see for herself. She said, “I can’t wait to see how long it takes for these jars to fly off the shelves.” She left them to go to the shack.
Once she was out of earshot, Charles asked Bev how she thought the hearing would go the next day. Bev said, “I am confident it will work out. We have gathered a lot of evidence to support her being able to Sojourn. I think we need to keep optimistic. Let’s see what Dimitrios can do to help us. I am sure he is very busy working on it.”
**********
Dimitrios was hard at work trying to find a sponsor for Caroline. He tried everyone he could think of who might be willing to take on a new Sojourner. No one was willing to take on the challenge. He began to wonder what would happen if in fact he couldn’t find a sponsor. He wondered if there was a way around the rules. He went back to his office. He pulled out the guidelines and searched. He didn’t have any luck. He tried several other possibilities without finding anything that worked. He gathered his things and headed for the Hub Library.
Along the way Natalie saw him and hurried to catch up with him. He kept going, talking to her as he went. “I’m really in a hurry my dear. I’m going to the library to do some research. I have a hearing to attend tomorrow.”
“Really? Something I can help you with?”
He paused for a moment. “Maybe. Do you want to help research?”
“Sure. What are we researching?”
“Sponsoring a new Sojourner.”
“Huh? Dad, what are you taking on now? I’d say taking on a new Sojourner would be way too much for you to take on right now with your responsibilities and all…”
“Not me Dear. I just want to get her started. It’s complicated and I want to see if Fiona can help point me in the right direction. Maybe I’ve overlooked something. I’m not having much luck. This isn’t just any Sojourner. She’s royalty.” Natalie looked at him disbelievingly.
He did a double take. “Really. Have I ever lied to you before?”
“No.”
“Then why would I start now? I don’t have a reason to fabricate.”
“Why don’t you ask Anthony for help? He has unlimited resources.”
Dimitrios said, “I know, but he’s not interested in the fate of a new Sojourner. That’s not his responsibility.”
He looked her in the eye, “This is Charles’ request.”
Natalie scowled, “He can’t…”
“He knows it. Are you coming or not?”
“I’m in.”
They entered the library. Fiona was with someone else and Dimitrios didn’t want to talk to her assistant. He asked the assistant to give the message to Fiona. Dimitrios and Natalie went to the correct book section to begin their search.
Eventually Fiona found them. “Hello Dimitrios and Natalie. How may I assist you today?” Dimitrios explained their search. She thought for a moment. “I have articles from the Hub about others having a Guidance Hearing on new Sojourners. The problem is there aren’t that many… They usually get turned down. Also, The Book on Mentorship may have some information. Hmmm, I got it! Simple. The Guidance Counselor has to follow the articles set forth in the Hub Law. Let me show you the way, the books are over here. Really Dimitrios may I ask, have you gone to see Anthony about this matter? He is the one they will more than likely turn to.”
“Dimitrios sighed, “I know Fiona. I just want to be prepared for whatever happens. I think this case means more to a friend of mine than Anthony.”
“Oh, I see.” She walked over to the series of books.
Dimitrios was beginning to get discouraged. Natalie thanked her.
Fiona said, “You’re welcome. Let me know if I can assist you in another search.” She left them.
Dimitrios looked until he found the right book. He began reading the laws about sponsorship. He closed the book and set it in the shelf. “I am headed to the Jones’ Passageway. Would you like to join me?”
“Sure. Lead the way.”
When they entered the office, Carson was the only one to welcome them. Dimitrios explained that his search revealed nothing they didn’t already know. He said he had been searching without luck for a sponsor. Then he told Carson that Anthony’s response was less than enthusiastic.
Carson told Dimitrios about his conversation with Al. Then he showed him the compass he had stored in the vault.
Dimitrios said, “In all likelihood we may not succeed tomorrow. If our argument isn’t compelling enough, I do not know the recommendation the Sojourners’ Council may make. It is a possibility, because of the status of Catherine’s estate; they may give Charles the option to inherit the Caperson estate including the kingdom. In the event he chooses to do that, he will become unable to fulfill his duty as the Prime Minister’s apprentice, and would become ineligible to be the future prime minister. It would be considered a conflict of interest. The other outcome may be that they decide to begin proceedings to try to lawfully confiscate what belonged to Catherine Caperson for the good of the Sojourner people. At that point a hearing would take place with the Queen of England and that would force the Monarchy’s hand in dealing with the entire estate.”
Carson said, “I understand.”
Dimitrios said, “We can always hope for a miracle… See you tomorrow. I will meet you here and we can go to the hearing together.” They shook hands before Dimitrios and Natalie left.
Carson continued to work even though he was less optimistic than he was before Dimitrios’ visit. Around noon Bev and Charles joined him. Carson explained the circumstances around the appearance of the mysterious compass. He went to get it from the vault and showed them. Then he told them about the visit from Dimitrios and Natalie. Charles was disappointed.
Carson said, “Don’t give up hope. I haven’t. Our argument may influence the Council to favor Caroline.” He returned the compass to the vault.
They began searching in their journals, hoping to find a solution for Caroline’s sponsorship. Charles left the office to find a book in the library.
Bev said, “It doesn’t look good.
I’m hoping for a miracle.”
Carson told her about Dimitrios’ comment about Charles having to give up being the prime minister if he accepted the Caperson estate, because of the conflict of interest.
Bev said, “I think Charles would choose to be prime minister over being a king. Don’t you?”
“I don’t know. Hopefully it won’t come to that.”
Once Charles returned they spent the day and most of the night working and preparing for the next day.
CHAPTER 73
Joseph was glad to be out of the house. He was irritated Dolores had come home tonight of all nights. He unlocked the door and walked into the law office. It was after hours but his father’s light was on. He gathered his things from his safe and walked through the Passageway. The moment he was noticed he was told, “Your father’s been waiting for you. He’s in the auction room with Non.”
Donovan always knew when he was going to show up, even when he didn’t. Joseph shook his head and walked in their direction.
Non looked up first. He watched Joseph enter through the back door. He nodded to Donovan. The two men stood up. Donovan motioned for Joseph to follow them out of the room. Without saying a word they walked down a long hallway to their conference room. Then Donovan went over to a painting on the wall and slid it to the side. A keypad was behind it. He entered a code that lit up lights around the cement floor.
Joseph looked around. He wondered why Non knew about this keypad and he didn’t.
On the floor in the center of the room was a large lit up square. Donovan turned around and entered another code. The floor dropped and slid to the underside revealing a wide stairway going to a basement. Joseph followed the two men down the stairs. It led to a huge room that looked like it had been transformed into a war room. Joseph walked around and looked at all the maps on the walls with markings and flags on them. He turned to his father and asked, “What in the world is this?”
“Welcome to the game.”
“I thought that is what we’ve been doing all these months.”
“No. I’ve been preparing you for the game. You haven’t been a participant. Now you will be actively participating in our strategy to control the world’s financial markets, governments, the distribution of global technology and science.”
Joseph looked skeptical. “How is that possible?”
Donovan said, “Pay attention I’m about to show you.”
CHAPTER 74
It was the morning of the hearing and Charles was nervous. He had put on his suit and was pacing. There was no sign of Dimitrios. Charles wondered what would happen if he wasn’t able to find a sponsor for Caroline. He hoped someone could be found who would for responsible for taking on the role; but he knew it was a lot to ask of someone to take on a new Sojourner. The best he could hope for was one of three things happening: an extension of the hearing; the Council would provide a mentor; or a miracle to happen. It looked like a miracle was their best chance.
Carson interrupted his thoughts by patting him on the back. “Time to gather our things. That way we will be ready when Dimitrios arrives. What will be--will be.”
When Dimitrios came through the Passageway, they were ready with everything they needed. Dimitrios said, “We actually have plenty of time. The agenda states they will be reviewing documentation and having a discussion prior to our presentation. We can leave when you are ready.”
They were preparing to leave when they heard someone outside the office door. It sounded as if someone had left something leaned up against the door. They stayed very still and waited until they were sure no one was outside. Carson then opened the door slowly. He caught the walking stick that fell into the room. He looked it over slowly, running his fingers along the edge. It was beautifully carved in great detail. At the top of the walking stick was a beaded leather strap. Carson whistled with admiration. “My oh my, it’s a beauty!” He took it over to show them. Everyone looked it over.
“It’s magnificent,” Charles said.
Bev said, “Someone spent a lot of time on this masterpiece. It had to be hand- carved. I would actually be afraid to use it. I would hate for it to be harmed in any way.”
Dimitrios studied the face carved on the walking stick and all of the other detailed carvings. “Ah... a Forest Guide, or a Wind Walker.” He looked it over carefully and pointed out. “The carving here is the name of the guide.”
There was a note attached to it. It read: “Carson, I thought you might like to see this. Al.”
Bev said, “If he knew the value of this, he would not have just left it outside.”
Carson looked at the clock and said, “The time is getting near for us to make our way to the hearing.” He gathered their things.
Dimitrios handed the walking stick to Carson, who leaned it up against his desk before joining the others. Airasten flew to Carson’s shoulder. Everyone waited for the Passageway to open. They put on their glasses and entered the Passageway. Charles, with Airabelle on his shoulder, went through first and got their flying disks ready for them. They raced through the Hub. Along the way they noticed a large crowd gathering.
Carson said to Bev, “That’s interesting. I wonder what is going on here?”
“It is unusual they would be allowed to gather. The law is clear about that.” Dimitrios looked around. He saw that the Authorities were watching the crowd.
Carson said, “Maybe we will hear about it later.”
Once they reached the Councils’ building, they stepped off of their disks and headed for the Councils’ Chamber. When they arrived at the meeting room the doors were closed. Dimitrios told them, “I will go in and see what has taken place.”
They took a seat on the long bench that lined one wall of the antechamber. It wasn’t long until Dimitrios opened the door and stepped out. He explained the agenda and the mood of the Council members. He described them as being puzzled and undecided about the situation. “This rarely ever happens. Some members are accepting of new ideas, other Council members are not. It is possible they may become divided even after hearing the evidence. Only two other requests in centuries have been brought before them. Right now they are pretty somber. Follow me.”
He knocked on a door. The doorman opened the doors all the way allowing them to enter. The Council sat without showing emotion. The Prime Minister stood and greeted them. He turned to the Council, formally greeted them and called the hearing to order. He explained to them why they were there and what they were expected to rule on. Anthony went on to say, “You have already read the laws in regard to this matter and have been given guidelines.”
He thanked Carson on following correct protocol. “To act on your own could be catastrophic and detrimental to the new Sojourner.”
Dimitrios had shown them to their seats. Now he was standing at the podium waiting to be recognized. Anthony gave him permission to speak.
Dimitrios gave the Council the family’s background information in regard to the individual they were requesting permission to be able to Sojourn. He gave a persuasive argument why Caroline should be able to not only claim her rightful legacy, but that she should also be allowed to join the Jones’ family in Sojourning.
A Councilwoman from Africa asked, “Will the Jones’ family consider taking on this responsibility considering their current obligation? It is my opinion that would be entirely too much.”
The Councilman from India asked, “Dimitrios, have you been successful in finding a suitable sponsor for this young woman?”
Dimitrios responded saying, “The Jones’ family is aware of the fact that they would have to be responsible for mentoring her because a suitable sponsor has not, at this time, been located. However we would like to ask you to consider this, based on the fact that if you allowed her to Sojourn, we would continue to search for a sponsor. I’m sure given more time I could…”
Dimitrios was interrupted by the question: “How old is the candidate?” He hesitated. Anthony had asked him the question.
<
br /> Dimitrios answered, “She is fifteen, but if I could please continue…”
The Councilwoman raised her voice over Dimitrios and said, “Given the circumstances and the danger of this proposal; plus, given the fact they cannot provide a sponsor; adding that the candidate is under age, I would like to ask for a vote.”
Charles looked at Carson and whispered, “What, a vote already? We haven’t even had a chance to speak yet… Their minds were already made up.”
Carson stood up to speak.
Anthony felt that he was about to lose control over the meeting when everyone began talking at the same time. He used his gavel to try to get order back in the room.
Another Councilwoman from Brazil raised her hand to second the vote.
Anthony continued to bang on the gavel trying to get order on the proceedings.
Carson and Bev were stunned at the unprofessional behavior taking place in the room, with everyone screaming at each other.
The door burst open and hit the wall so hard it caught everyone off guard. Natalie and Sensei burst into the room together. The security guard was chasing after them trying to stop them. Natalie said, “You cannot interfere with a Guidance Hearing, sir. By law you cannot detain me. Please, do not put your hands on me. I have every right to speak to the Council and I will.” The guard reached for her, but she twisted away and stood in the middle of the room.
Anthony was taken back by the guard’s aggressiveness and said, “Sir, may I ask you why you have tried to detain this young lady, and hinder her from speaking? Guidance Hearings are open to all Sojourners.”
Dimitrios was fuming that the guard refused to stop, and was ready to interfere himself.
The Council members all had returned to their seats. The guard stood with his attention focused on the Prime Minister. Anthony stuck his neck out as if he was waiting to hear something because the guard would not give him a response.
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 59
