by Beran, Amina
THE EYE OF FIRE
Episode One: The Third Gate
Amina Beran
THE EYE OF FIRE-Episode One: The Third Gate
Copyright 2016 by Amina Beran
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, including Internet usage, without written permission from Amina Beran, except in the case of brief quotations.
PREFACE
In the town of Potts lies a powerful invisible force. This force was made by a reddish hued stone that had come from another dimension, which had been hidden carefully in the ground for thousands of years. The “Eye of Fire,” had been part of a large stone that was broken into fourteen parts and given to fourteen angels in order to protect and keep safe from the demons, who wanted the power from the stone. Several stones were hidden on earth, and in one place in particular, is the town of Potts. In 1896, when the town of Potts was constructing the railroad, the resting place of the stone was partially unearthed, and the demons came through the gate seeking the stone, However they were unsuccessful in locating it, but the immense evil unleashed on the town of Potts, was let loose in the town. As a result, the Gatekeeper locked down the town of Potts in a spiritual bubble. The inhabitants of the town die but can never leave, however, because of the “spiritual bubble” they are able to go back in time again and again in the flesh, each resident hopes to change the vicious cycle they are caught in and also change the devastating future.
October 26, 2026
As they were driving, they passed an old sign with peeling paper on it. It said “Potts population 312.”
“So this must be it,” Sam said. He sighed a little, already, he missed the city. The town of Potts looked desolate. “Wait what’s this place?” The road was blocked suddenly by a gate and there was a fence. The fence looked like it continued on and on. There was a police car that was nearby and a little booth that was near the gate. He stepped out of his booth, and shined the light through the window.
“This is strange honey. I don’t remember this before.” Alicia said.
“Howdy folks. Can I ask your names?”
“Sami Boulos, and my wife Alicia Hampton.” Sam said to him.
The officer shined his light on a clipboard at a list of names. “Can you show your I.D?”
Sam and Alicia took out their I.D.’s and showed them to the officer.
“What is all this about officer?” said Sam.
“This is a checkpoint folks. No one goes through here, unless your name is on this list.”
“I got your names here. You may go through.”
The officer waved them through, and Sam continued to drive down the main road into town. Potts had been gated and fenced off to the outside world.
“Oh honey, can we make a stop here before we go to our place?” Alicia Hampton said to her husband. When she noted the gas station was open. She swept away the loose tendrils of hair that had fallen into her face. Her chestnut hair that had been drawn back into a bun, had become loosened, “Oh, I look like a fright,” said Alicia.
“Dear, don’t worry, you look beautiful darling,” He gazed fondly at his wife. They had been married seventeen years already, but his love for her had never tarnished. Sam took her hand and squeezed it gently. “Don’t forget your scarf honey, we are nearly there. I wouldn’t want any man to admire my beautiful flower.”
Alicia pulled down the mirror and quickly put on her head scarf, and pinned it. “Does this look ok?”
“Yes sure baby.” Sam said.
“How do you think you will like living in Potts again?” Sam asked his wife.
“Actually, I am excited about that. I am tired of the city. I was raised on a farm in Potts before mom and dad passed away, and after they died, the farm got sold off. I am sure this will be great honey.”
“Yes it is like an adventure,” said Sam. “Let’s make this a quick stop. It’s only another few minutes until we get to our new place.
The gas station appeared mostly empty except for the gas station clerk, and a customer who was searching for a snack. Alicia was famished but she needed the bathroom more. She took her purse and headed for the rest room.
“I will be right outside honey,” Sam called to her.
Alicia entered the restroom and locked the door. The bathroom had graffiti written on the stalls. She pretended to not notice, because she didn’t want to read the crude and childish writing. But she found herself looking at it anyway, one sentence said, “Do you know where you are?” The door swung heavy on the hinge when she shut the stall door. Suddenly, the air felt really cool around her, and she started to shiver. Immediately, she regretted leaving her coat in the car. She hurriedly finished up her business and washed her hands. She gazed in her reflection in the mirror to straighten up her head scarf and to make sure her little hairs were tucked neatly under it. She frowned a little at her obviously tired appearance. It had been days since she had slept well. Her brown eyes were heavy and tired, and the fine lines of her face appeared more worn than usual. Though they were living out of a suitcase in the car for nearly two weeks, she still made the best of it. She cleaned up a little by pulling up her long sleeves, and she washed her hands, face, arms, nose, and ran her hand under her scarf on her head to lightly dampen her hair. Then she removed her shoes. She frowned because the floor was covered in dirt. So, she dipped her hand under the faucet to put water in her hand and used it to rub her foot to clean it, and she put a napkin on the floor to rest her foot so she could clean the other foot. She felt tapping on her shoulder, “I am hurrying, just a second.” She said.
“Honey, are you ok?” Sam called outside the door.
Alicia spun around and no one was there. “Just a second honey.” She hurried to the door.
“I thought you were inside here with me,” she said, as she seen her husband outside the restroom. She seemed a little bit alarmed.
“Why honey, I told you I would be right here.” Sam said.
“It’s just I thought I felt you touch my shoulder.” Alicia said.
“Is there someone else in there with you?” Sam said.
“No, no, I didn’t see anyone else. I looked around and the restroom was empty. Maybe I am just tired. You know I haven’t slept well,” Alicia said.
“Yes I am sure that is it, but I am sure when we get to our new place, you will sleep like a real princess honey.” Sam wrapped his arm around his wife, and led her to the car.
“I had the clerk make us some cheese sandwiches from the deli counter.”
“How did you afford these honey, I thought we were nearly broke?” Alicia looked concerned.
“The clerk handed them to me, and when I took out my wallet, he said, “Keep your money.” These people sure are nice, I can understand why you wanted to come back. And I hope you don’t mind, I brought you a coffee. I know you wanted to quit the caffeine, but maybe you need it.”
“You always think about me sweetie.” Alicia said to Sam. Sam was younger than she was by eight years, but she loved being the older woman. He was kind and gentle to her, and in her heart, she felt she had a good man for the first time in her life. After her divorce had ended badly, she thought she would never meet a good man, but when she met Sam, he was just what she needed. He was her soul mate. They never were able to have children together, but Sam was understanding that she could not have any children. Instead, they spoiled each other any way they could, though they were struggling with financial problems.
Alicia pulled bits of the sandwich away and ate the little pieces. Sam thought she looked like a cute when she did that. “You’re my baby bird,” he said to her a
nd smiled.
Alicia looked admiringly at her husband and smiled with her dimpled cheeks. She loved everything about her husband, he was handsome, with dark brown hair and almond colored eyes. His skin was like the caramel latte she was sipping on slowly.
As they continued driving, Alicia studied her little map. I think you need to turn off here, on the main street, go right here.” She pointed the way.
Her husband turned down the main street. The buildings were all boarded up along the main street avenue. Except for a small café with a lit up sign was flashing open. And it looked like maybe the antique store was opened also. They drove a little further down the main street, and they saw a small gas station with a single gas pump, and across the street was a post office. With a very tall flag pole out front. There was another building beside that that looked like a city hall and police station. About a block further down, they passed an old brick grocery store that looked like it had been open for over a hundred years. It had a tall placard atop the building with the words “Tillery General Store.”
“That looks promising for groceries.” He noted the paper hand printed signs on the front window, “Bananas by the pound. Hamburger by the pound. Corn on the cob by the bushel.”
“Where are the prices on that sign?” Alicia asked.
“Maybe they are so expensive, that they hate to advertise it.” Sam said.
“Probably, this place would be expensive. There are no other stores around.” She said.
“We can stop later if you like honey, but first we need to get settled in our new place.” Sam said to her.
“I hope they have some yogurt. I really have the taste for it right now, and maybe some fresh strawberries.” Alicia said licking her lips.
“Oh don’t do that honey, your killing me.” He laughed and put her hand on his lap. “Look see?”
“Oh you’re naughty, stop it.” Alicia said.
“Just wait until we find a real bed honey, you won’t ever want to sleep in the car again.” He began to laugh.
She giggled, “Um yeah, that was a real blast, sleeping in the car for two weeks. I don’t want to do that again.”
“Me neither honey. Let’s go see our new place. I am sorry it’s not much. Maybe when we get on our feet, we can find a better place. It’s just temporary ok.” Sam reassured her.
“I know, it can’t be much for $300.00 a month. The rent in Dallas is nearly $1,400.00, so maybe we can save up a little by living here. My alimony check should cover all our bills for now, in case you can’t find any work around here.” She looked around as she said it, “And I am sure you can’t find anything here.”
“Well you never know. I am good at finding work, and I have a real good way with people. It should be easy to find work.”
“God Willing honey.” Alicia said, “This must be the place,” Alicia said.
An older man with white and gray fuzzy beard appeared near the peeling, black painted gate. He was stooped over with a hunch, and wore overalls with a white t-shirt underneath. He fumbled with a key the size of his large hands to unlock the gate. As his hands shook with unsteadiness, the sound of the keys on the ring began to clangor sharply and noisily.
Sam turned to look at his wife, and seemed nervous. “Honey, don’t worry. We just have to live here for a little while, until we get on our feet once again. It will be ok. Haven’t we been through worse than this?”
“Yeah, it beats living with your parents,” she smiled a little when she said it.
“Oh honey, that’s not what I meant. You remember we had to live out of the car after me and father got into it. I told you I wouldn’t let him come between us,” He paused, and looked at the man still struggling with the key, then he continued, “We might be in a rough patch right now, at least we still have each other.”
“I know baby. I am fine, “she managed a small smile through her nervousness.
“Sir, would you like my help?” said Sam to the old man.
“This old lock it seems stuck. Why, I haven’t opened it in 130 years.” Mumbled the old man.
“What did he say?” whispered Alicia to her husband.
“I will tell you later honey. I think he is a little out of his head,” whispered Sam to Alicia.
Finally, he got the gate open. “Hurry, hurry inside. I must lock it back. I have a key you can use, though you won’t need it.”
Alicia looked at her husband puzzled, and he looked back at her with an equally puzzled look, and he shrugged his shoulders. Sam grabbed the large suitcase from the trunk space of the car, and they went through the gate.
The old man relocked the gate, “Sir, is that really necessary to lock the gate?”
Well, I don’t unwanted visitors to bother you.” Said the old man. His voice quaked and he cleared his throat and he spat on the ground.
“Does anyone else live here?” Sam asked, he now was filled with curiosity. The man was strange about the gate, maybe he could clear up a few things by asking questions.
“Well, they all come back now and then. It’s ok though, they won’t bother you any. They all lived here before. Just got to keep out the others. They are not good.”
“What others do you mean?” Sam asked.
“No matter my friend. Just keep the gate locked. You won’t find trouble. This area is safe. That’s my job, keeping everything safe. You don’t worry.”
“How can we leave if you keep the key? We need to go buy food today or tomorrow.” Sam said.
“You won’t need a key. Let me show you the place. You will understand.” As they spoke, Alicia studied the old building. It was huge old school house. The outside was white with paint peeled off all over it. A few of the windows were boarded and there was a bell at the very top of the building. When the wind blew she could hear a very faint tinkle ring in the air. Maybe she was tired, so she imagined it.
As they stepped inside the building, immediately, she could feel the warmth of the air change. The warmth felt good and inviting. The inside hallway was dimly lit. And she could see the wood floors gleaming. The interior walls were freshly painted with a bright yellow. And all along the hallway was photos on the wall. It showed class photos from every year the school had been opened. It started from 1896 until 1907. Alicia looked at the women in the pictures as they passed them. She admired the elegance of the women in those days.
“The inside is certainly nicer than the outside of the building,” said Sam.
“Yes, I keep up all the entire building. There is a lot to do around here. It is hard to keep up with sometimes.” Said the old man.
“I am looking for work, if you are looking for a helper.” Sam said to him.
“Yeah, I suppose so son. I could use help around here. Have you ever worked as a handy man?” asked the old man.
“Yes I used to work on construction in the city, and I can repair almost anything.” Sam said to the old man, who had begun to walk briskly down the hallway leading them to their new quarters.
“You’re hired son. You can start tomorrow.”
“Excuse me but, what is your name sir?” Sam asked him.
“I am just known as the Gate Keeper around here, but if you want to call me Yates that is fine with me.”
Yates opened up the door to their new quarters, it looked like two class rooms that were adjoining had been converted into a small apartment. There was still the remains of a black board on two of the rooms. The first room they were in was the living room area, and it had a small couch, a wood coffee table, a floor lamp, a small round wooden table, and a large wooden desk that was used as a kitchen counter top. It had been placed against the wall, there was a two burner stove, and a coffee maker. Below the opening of the large wood desk was a mini refrigerator. In the corner of the class room there was a door leading to a bathroom. And an opening to another classroom that was the converted bedroom. It had another lavatory in that room also. The room was painted a light brown color, and all the colorful wall art decorations had been paint
ed over, but were still partly visible under the thin layer of brown paint. There was a small fake plant in the corner of the room, and several book cases with many books. There were small wooden chairs near the book shelf arranged near it. And a few brightly colored rugs of red, green, and blue were in several places in the room, covering over the wood floor.
“This place is not that bad.” Alicia said.
“I tried to make sure this place was comfortable for you. I brought some books for the shelves just today.” Yates said to them.
“I appreciate that so much, I really enjoy books,” Alicia said.
“I know,” Yates said softly.
“Excuse me, what did you say?” Sam said.
I said, “I know. I am sure every woman loves to read.” Yates said to him. “Now let me show you where you can find food.”
Yates led Alicia and Sam down the long school corridor to a cafeteria. “You have full use of the kitchen in here, if you like. There is a freezer and fully stocked food pantry. You won’t ever run out I promise. Just take what you like.”
Yates led Sam and Alicia into an immense pantry that looked like a military supply surplus of food. It had everything, canned foods, packages of noodles, canned soups, dried milk, cans of meat, canned vegetables, oil, flour, sugar, and he showed them the freezers full of meat, and pastas, packages of frozen prepared food. “Don’t worry, everything is Halal.” Yates said.
Sam looked extremely puzzled then, he wanted to ask, “How did you know?” but he was embarrassed to ask. Instead he looked at his wife knowingly, and she shrugged her shoulders.
Yates led them back to their new quarters, “If there is anything else you need, just ask.”
“Does anyone else live in this building?” Asked Sam.
“Yes, now and then. There are plenty of rooms here. No one will bother you though. I can let you through the gate if you need to go. We can talk more about that later. You should rest though.” Yates continued on down the hallway, he picked up a dust broom and began sweeping the floors, then he called out to Sam, “Be ready to wake up by Nine tomorrow, we have some painting to do.”
