The Map Keeper returned and asked, “What may I do to help you?” Carson stated to him that they would like to travel to where they could earn currency.
The Map Keeper had begun digging through piles of what appeared to be old maps on parchment paper. He looked up at them quickly before going back to his work. “Tell me more…”
Charles repeated, “Tell you more?”
The Map Keeper nodded his head, which they could barely see above his mountainous piles of maps. “Yes, go on. I have all day.”
Charles didn’t want to seem rude but they were in a hurry. He felt like they hadn’t accomplished anything in all the time they had been involved in the game but find this eccentric old man who seemed to want company.
Charles thought for a moment then said, “We would like to find employment in order to earn currency. We have a list of resources we want to purchase.”
“What types of resources are you interested in working for? May I see your list?”
Charles had his character pull the list from its pocket and hand it to him. The Map Keeper looked over the list and then put it in his own pocket. Charles looked back at Carson.
The man went back around the table and began sorting and mumbling as he worked. The Map Keeper asked them, “How many maps do you have already?”
The two of them looked at each other. Charles said, “We don’t really know. How do we access them?”
The Map Keeper came back around the table and asked, “You don’t know?”
Charles replied, “No.”
The man turned Charles’ character around and tugged the leather strap that went from the character’s right shoulder diagonally across his chest and back to his hip and wrapped around his hip like a belt. Carson watched as he located a pouch flap and pulled from it rolled paper maps. “I can tell you are an amateur. Let’s see what you have here.”
He took the maps and unrolled them on the table, setting a rock on each corner. Then he went to Carson’s character and examined him. He unzipped his pouch around his waist and took out a couple of folded maps. He laid them out on another table. “Let’s look at what we have here between the two of you.”
CHAPTER 107
Dimitrios had to get away from the distractions for a moment. He decided to take a walk through the busy Hub and try to blend in with everyone else. He needed time to gather his thoughts and clear his head. He anticipated that Anjoleah would be coming for him as soon as tomorrow morning since they were close to being ready for trial. He needed a breather before she caught up with him. He figured she’d be in her hurricane mode, dealing with the upcoming court action, when she contacted him.
He’d been working hard with the Sojourner lawyers on the cases against the criminals they had in custody. The information they had gathered and the evidence from Reiko was exactly what they needed when they went to trial. The prosecuting attorneys possessed undeniable evidence against each one of the felonious men. He was positive they’d all be put away for quite some time.
He was confident that Anjoleah would see to it. Things had been going rather well between the two of them for some strange reason. Anjoleah seemed easier to work with lately. He rubbed his burning eyes, shook his head and thought to himself: Miracles can happen, but with her the phenomenon won’t last long. I’m just waiting for the moment she snaps and goes back to her old ways.
His thoughts turned to Cassia. They had been spending a lot of time together since Natalie’s accident. She had been a huge help to him since she came into his life. They hit it off from the moment they met. He smiled thinking to himself how much he enjoyed seeing her every day. That was something he always looked forward to especially on the really tough days like today. They spent so much time together that they were now finishing each other’s sentences. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was falling in love with her. At first he thought this feeling was just admiration for her keeping the office running like a well-oiled machine and taking care of the small details. Now after spending more time with her after work, he was beginning to actually discover things about the chemistry between the two of them he’d previously missed.
He had decided love was taboo a long time ago. His first marriage had ended as a disaster. He held firm to the belief that marriage worked out for others; it just didn’t for him. He didn’t have any desire to go looking for trouble again. He’d dated many beautiful ladies on and off through the years. Eventually one of two things would happen, either they’d become demanding and clingy, or they’d leave him because of his work schedule. He’d been proud of himself for not getting emotionally attached.
It was always Cassia the next morning that he’d see at the office. She would schedule his time so he could be occupied with finding solutions for problems Anthony encountered. He was grateful for that. Tonight was the first evening in a long time that they wouldn’t be together to work on “Things”, as they called the excuse for being together. Dimitrios shuffled his feet as he walked. He would have asked her out but he already knew she had made plans for the evening.
He had mentioned to her in passing about getting together later, but she said, “Oh, I didn’t know you’d like to get together tonight. I already made plans, but it won’t be a problem to cancel them.”
He stopped her. “No, that’s okay. We have worked really hard. We both deserve a break. Go out and have fun.”
After she left his office he was in touch with Natalie. He offered to take her and Wayland out for dinner but she said they had made plans with friends. He would have stayed late in the office to work but ironically enough, there wasn’t anything of importance to work on. Then he had a thought to check on Charles’ progress but even Charles was on task. He’d even gone as far as to check Anthony’s schedule. Anthony had a meeting and dinner with the Heads of State and Rulers from around the world. Finally he had to face the fact that he was going to have to spend the evening alone. At that particular moment being alone didn’t seem to be all he had made it out to be before. It really didn’t seem to be the least bit fun anymore.
CHAPTER 108
Joseph followed his father down the lit stairway to what he referred to jokingly as the command post in their basement. Donovan made sure everything was in place before they began. They attired themselves in hooded robes. Donovan gave Joseph their maps to carry. He carried their weapons with one exception--he gave Joseph a sword.
He warned Joseph, “Don’t say a word. It’s time that you become introduced to the game. Before long you will be revealed to the participants but not today. First you need to learn the rules on each of the planets. Observe.” He placed the game pieces on one of the planets. Everything came to life around them. The room was completely transformed. It was the wildest and most exhilarating experience Joseph had ever witnessed. On the first planet Donovan was greeted by a man his father called Nasser. Joseph didn’t recognize him. He in return greeted Donovan as “Suzerain.”
Joseph watched Nasser carefully as his father spoke to him very quietly and respectfully. He appeared to be a well-dressed, middle-aged man. He was tall, fit and tan. He wore loose fitting clothes and had a quiet nature about him. His father treated him with respect, as if he was someone of importance. The three characters walked on paths around the lush grounds discussing business. In the distance they could hear rhythmic drums and voices singing. They didn’t stay in his presence very long before they exited that planet and were transported to the next.
Some of the planets they visited were in the very early primitive stages. There were very few places for them to hide from violent storms or ambush attacks. He closely followed his father’s lead.
Joseph noticed Donovan was even more ruthless in the game than he had ever witnessed him being at any time in his life. His actions seemed to Joseph barbarous as he slaughtered attacking beasts.
Joseph was caught up in the intense action. He quickly discovered his game piece was far more powerful than what he understood it would be. He could feel the sensation
of the adrenaline rush permeate through his body when action was needed. At times it felt as if the character wanted to take over and become him; as if it had a will to live out the fantasy on its own. When he sensed that extreme force, he fought to be in control. It was obvious he was using an old powerful character as a novice participant. If he didn’t want to look like a fool he’d have to improvise when possible. He had to learn to be nimble on his feet and adroit in his actions out of sheer will to survive.
They planet jumped several times. Joseph discovered each planet was different.
Donovan owned five major planets, three primitive ones that were evolving and one that was forgotten. The forgotten planet was on their grid as the most central of all their planets.
When they exited the game Joseph was a sweaty mess. He stood for a moment before he collapsed onto the cold cement. He was clearly out of shape and had to catch his breath. He breathed hard as his heart raced. “You are in much better shape.”
Donovan stood over his son and stared down at him. “It will pass. It has nothing to do with you being or not being in shape. It has everything to do with how often you play.”
Joseph asked about the forgotten planet.
Donovan explained, “You aren’t ready for that one. That planet is forbidden right now.”
Joseph picked himself up off the ground. “I could use a drink.”
Donovan added, “And a shower.”
CHAPTER 109
The Map Keeper made all sorts of noises as he inspected the maps in front of him. Charles bent down alongside him to have a closer look. He was mumbling and pointing out specific objects on the maps as he went back and forth between them. “Impressive young man if I do say so myself.”
Charles looked at him inquisitively, “What is so impressive about them?”
The man was quick with, “What’s not?”
Charles repeated, “What’s not? No, what is?”
The man shook his head. “These are extraordinary.” He pointed to them. “They are very old but they will get you where you desire to go and beyond.”
“What does that mean, beyond?”
“Well, the land has most likely changed since the maps were first charted. They are however, sufficient. The Prodigy can help you once you arrive.”
Carson spoke up, “We have come a long way and we’d like to buy another map from you while we are here.”
The old man looked up. “Yes, I see. A planet jumper.” He motioned for them to follow him. “You came to the right Map Keeper. You have plenty of choices.”
After asking them many questions, he began to dig through his map piles until he found the one he was looking for. He smiled when he held it up. “A masterpiece. Everything you could ever want is on this planet.” Charles went to look at it.
The man said, “Not so fast. Please, currency first.”
Charles asked him what he wanted in exchange for the map. He couldn’t pay him fast enough as he took the money from his pouch and handed it to the Keeper. The man was pleased with the generous tip he had been given. Charles just wanted to get out of there and continue their adventure. Carson and Charles gathered their maps and replaced them. They thanked the Map Keeper and set out on their journey. They stopped by a large shade tree and retrieved their maps. They set them on the ground and looked through them. After looking at each map they had the characters replace them in their packs.
Charles said, “I wonder what else we have and just don’t know it?”
Carson looked at him, “I guess we will have to search every one of the characters and take inventory.”
They decided on a destination to visit for their next journey and stored the game pieces in their box.
The two of them sat in the office and exchanged ideas on how tomorrow might go with Caroline. The summer was getting away from them and they had matters that they believed needed to be accomplished. One of the items that they agreed on was getting Caroline’s inheritance in order.
Carson went to get the inventory list Mr. Gladestom had given him. They looked it over. Both of them were amazed at what was stored and waiting for her. Charles said, “It must be a big storage room!”
Carson agreed. “Guess we will find out. I am thinking with everyone gathered here tomorrow we should take a look.”
Charles was excited. “Caroline’s ready to go! I just know she is.”
They went through the list again. Carson explained to Charles about some of the things on the list and how the tools probably worked. There were only a few accessories he wasn’t sure about.
Bev wasn’t back in time for dinner so they were on their own. They made sandwiches and brought them to the office. Both men were able to eat and continue working.
CHAPTER 110
Donovan walked to his office. He called out into the hall for Non. The tall man suddenly appeared at the foot of the steps, “I’m on my way Boss.” He took the stairs three at a time. He entered Donovan’s office and closed the door behind himself.
Donovan offered for him to have a seat. “Thank you for getting ahold of me as quickly as you did. As you are aware we need to act quickly to resolve this matter. As usual you have taken the necessary steps to begin the process of extraction. I looked over your recommendations and under normal circumstances I would agree. However, I was thinking something a little more daring and unexpected. I’m thinking of danger and the unimaginable. I’m thinking of pushing the limit and pulling off the greatest jail break in history.”
Non smiled a devious smile. “You’re not talking about…”
“I am.”
Non sat forward in his seat, “If we pull this off. Anjoleah will…”
“I know. That’s the point. They will never see this coming and there is no way for them to track us using this technique.”
“It’s insane. The crew might not survive.”
Donovan shrugged and frowned, “So, we would have killed them anyway. At least they have a shot at surviving. They can thank you for that. I’d have been done with all of them.” He scowled and pointed a finger gun at the door right as one of his goons entered. “BAM!” His goon froze and then hurriedly backed up and closed the door.
Non said, “I better get going then. If we are going to pull this off then I have work to do.”
Donovan looked him in the eye. “Don’t fail.”
Non said as he was walking out the door, “Anthony will be a laughing stock after this…”
Donovan reveled in the thought.
CHAPTER 111
Charles didn’t see Bev until the next morning. When he came down for breakfast, she was making pancakes for everyone. Charles hugged her and said, “Good morning.”
She asked if he was excited that Caroline would be going into the Hub to take care of her inheritance. He replied that he was eager to begin the process. They discussed the possibilities for the day ahead.
Not long after he entered the office, Natalie and Wayland arrived. They discussed going into the Hub with Caroline. Natalie agreed she was ready. She wanted to review a few things with her first: her Seeker glasses, the travel coin, an explanation on Passageways, her travel papers (which Natalie had just received) and a few other important things like staying vigilant, not letting anyone but trusted individuals into your Passageway and not giving anyone your name and information. When they returned she would talk to Caroline more about journals and writing tools, and about the riddle book.
Carson and Wayland worked together to set up the things Natalie needed to go over with Caroline at Charles’ desk.
When Caroline arrived her grandpa was with her. She went right to work because she was excited to go into the Hub. It didn’t take them long to go over the display.
“Caroline is a fast learner. We are ready whenever you are,” Natalie said.
When Carson and Al heard the girls were ready Al said, “I thought I should go with her. I might be able to help with the Sojourner tools in storage. Margaret encouraged me to come.”
Carson put his hand on Al’s shoulder and said, “We are glad to have you join us.”
Bev asked if Margaret was there to visit with her?
Al said, “No. She stayed home to work on a project.”
Bev brought a cookie for Caroline if she became queasy going through the Passageway. As a matter of fact she was bouncing all over the place revved up and ready to see what was in the Hub.
She mentioned to Charles, “I had a dream about going into the Hub last night.”
They were discussing the details of her dream as Carson double-checked everyone to make sure they had everything needed before they left. Caroline was anxious as she waited for the Passageway to open. She was the second one to go through and this time she didn’t get sick. On the other side Charles unzipped his bag and showed her what was inside of it. He took out his flying disk and showed it to her. He explained that she’d have to ride on it with him.
Caroline was cautious of it at first. “What is that?” He explained what it was and briefly how to operate it.
She asked, “Can we both fit on that together?”
Natalie assured her they could. “Just don’t let go.”
So Caroline stepped on it behind Charles. It was a little challenging, but they managed. Charles went slowly at first, and then he gradually accelerated. As they went along he pointed out things that she might want to know about the Hub even though some of it was self-explanatory.
Bev and Carson walked with Al.
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 79
