Legend of the Book Keeper

by Daniel Blackaby

  Interrogated

  Something big was about to happen. He didn’t know what, but the very marrow of Dace’s bones proclaimed it with upmost certainty; his solder’s instinct was seldom wrong. He gazed out over the crowd of people who slowly engulfed his band of troops at the foot of the palace. They too seemed to sense it.

  Dace took a step up onto the first stair of the palace before pivoting to face his troops, “Lacen, Hoffin, Didet, and Hex, I want you to escort Randilin down to the holding cell until further instruction. Sally is to be put on temporary probation until her association with Randilin is cleared. Kingsty and Tyrin, you will return to the Outer-City and rendezvous with the others. Wolfrick and Sheets, keep the crowd away. Let’s move.” The soldiers immediately set about their orders. Cody felt the shadow of Wolfrick fall over him, urging him up the stairs.

  With the majority of the company dispatched, Cody suddenly felt uncomfortable walking beside Jade as they ascended the stairs. He stole a glance at her. She seemed completely at ease and unconcerned. His frustration toward her reached a new high. “Everything’s just business as usual for you, isn’t it, Jade.” The words snidely exited Cody’s mouth before he could stop them, but he was pleased that they had. Jade shook her head but kept her eyes focused ahead. This ticked Cody off even more. “What, too good to even talk to your best friend anymore? You seem to have no trouble batting those eyelashes of yours and chatting it up with the guards . . .”

  “Oh, that’s what you think, is it? You’re such a child.” Cody was about to lash back in retaliation when he collided into Dace’s back. Jade chuckled under her breath. There was a thud as the opened front doors slammed into place.

  Dace whispered over his shoulder, “Be ready to bow and give respect. You are about to enter the presence of the King.” Without further instruction, Dace led them into a large room with a dome roof. A large painting on the ceiling transfixed Cody. He did not understand its meaning, but was captivated by the beautiful artistry. “Psst! Come on.” Jade was waving her hand and Cody jogged to catch up. They came to the throne—and found that it was empty.

  The sound of voices came echoing forth from some unseen hallway. As the speech approached nearer, Cody began to comprehend some of the words. It seemed to be a heated conversation between two people: “I’m telling you, I don’t know how much longer we can hold them off. We’ll have a full-grown riot before long. War is brewing. What could have provoked such a bold ultimatum after all these years . . .”

  “It doesn’t matter. We are not prepared to engage in a war of this magnitude. Not without a champion, one who is knowledgeable in the way . . .”

  “I know, but time is scarce. Our scouts report that enemy troops are gathering east of Lilley. If they strike through the pass we will be completely unprepared, our father . . .” The voices halted. A man and a woman appeared from behind the throne. Dace bent into a bow which Cody attempted to mimic.

  “My lord and lady, I have returned with the captives.” The woman stepped forth from the shadows; she was stunningly beautiful in an elegant blue dress. Her eyes sparkled like glimmering stars in the night sky.

  “So, I see,” she said smoothly. Her accomplice joined her in the light. Like the lady, the man was strikingly handsome. His features were dark and exotic.

  “What of Sir Randilin and the gatekeeper?” he asked in a flatly serious voice. As he spoke, he began slowly circling the visitors like a leopard eyeing its prey.

  “He is being contained as we speak. His health is poor, but not critical. The gatekeeper is in holding.” Cody noticed that Dace’s usual swagger was hardly visible; instead he seemed nervous and fidgety.

  The exotic looking man completed his inspection. He noticed Dace glancing over to the empty throne, and stepped into the captain’s line of sight. “The King is not to be bothered. He has many pressing matters to attend to with the rumors of war catching like wildfire.”

  The woman glided in front of the man. “As such, we have been given authority in this matter. Where is the fifth intruder?” Cody shot a worried glance to Jade. What fifth intruder? Had the assassin with circular blades followed them down the Well?

  Dace squirmed uncomfortably under the lady’s gaze. “Unfortunately, he has temporarily evaded us. My men are in pursuit as we speak. He will be caught.”

  “I expect so. There is also the matter of your delay and apparent disregard of my commands.” Dace opened his mouth to apologize but the lady silenced him with a raised hand. “We will deal with that later. As for now, we have other matters to attend to . . .”

  She leaned toward Cody. He blushed; the perfection of her silky skin was intoxicating as it came close to his. She had an alluring scent to her like the water of a desert oasis. He was entranced. “I believe introductions are in order. I am Lady Cia, daughter to the King of Atlantis. This pessimistic fellow behind me is my brother, Prince Kantan.”

  The man didn’t flinch, keeping his gaze on Cody. His voice was slow and calculating. “Now, by authority of the crown, I order you to identify yourselves and your business in Under-Earth. Speak.” Cody felt the vast weight of the Book in his backpack and wondered why it had not yet been confiscated.

  “Um . . . My name is Cody, from the small town of Havenwood. This is my friend Jade . . . your highness,” Cody added hesitantly.

  Kantan peered unwaveringly at Cody. “Havenwood you say? Interesting . . . my knowledge of Upper-Earth geography is admittedly limited but I too know a man who lived in a town called Havenwood, His name was Wesley Simon.” Cody focused all his energy to maintain his unaffected facial features. Their chances of escaping the situation were balancing on the tip of a knife.

  “What a coincidence,” Cody responded with forced coolness.

  “Indeed,” the man smirked, “as, I have no doubt, is it mere coincidence that your current traveling companion, Sir Randilin, is Under-Earth’s most wanted criminal . . .” Cody continued to hold the man’s heavy gaze. The Prince stepped so close to Cody, he could feel the mint in his breath.

  It was Lady Cia who finally put an end to the misery, “Oh, Kantan, enough with your games. Let’s cut to the point. It is clear to everybody in this room that the secret is resting within the boy’s backpack.” At that moment Cody realized that both his hands were reaching behind his back and clutching the backpack. The scam was up. “Captain Ringstar, empty the sack.”

  Cody felt Dace’s hands pull the pack off his shoulders. The look in his eye was almost apologetic. He unzipped the bag slowly and reached his hand in. Cody held his breath; this was the moment of truth. Dace pulled out several empty Granola bar wrappers and sent them fluttering to the floor. When his hand appeared again it was holding the ruby pocket-watch; the small red hand on the clock was now spinning rapidly in circles, out of control. Dace reached in again; this time his hand pulled out a dusty, worn, leather-bound Book—a large scarlet ‘A’ radiated from its cover.

  Silence hovered over the room with such thickness that Cody thought he would choke on it. The appearance of the Book silenced every tongue in the room—until the dam finally broke:

  “The Code! Here in Atlantis? In the hands of a boy! Explain yourself!” Blue veins pressed softly against Cia’s suddenly sweaty forehead. Kantan’s firm hands grasped Cody on the shoulders. “Boy, what is the meaning of this? Speak at once. This is not some childish game. What dark frowning of fate is this?”

  To Cody’s surprise, Dace spoke up, “Prince Kantan, forgive me for speaking out of line my lord, but I can vouch that this boy is no criminal. Perhaps it would be more beneficial to allow him a chance to explain his story?” Kantan’s eyes burned with disdain that seemed ready to burst into flames.

  Cia laid her hand on his arm to calm him. “The young captain is right. Perhaps fate has smiled rather than frowned. This could prove crucial in the unfolding circumstances. We must hear the boy’s tale from the beginning—but not here. Let us retire to the privacy of the royal chambers.”

  Kantan h
eld his grip on Cody’s shoulders for a moment longer before exhaling and releasing him. “Wise, as always, my sister. We must consult the King immediately. Captain Ringstar, escort the children to the royal chambers to await our return. We will, however, keep the Book with us.” Kantan retrieved the Book from Dace and the two siblings hastily disappeared through the columns the way they had come. The moment they had departed, Dace’s arms shot out and grabbed Cody’s mouth, muffling his scream. Cody saw that Jade was captive to Dace’s other hand. With a harsh jerk, they were dragged into the shadows.

  “Shhh!”

  Dace was hunched down and pulled them into a huddle, “Cody, Jade, listen closely. I don’t have time to explain. All I can say is, if I’m correct about that Book, you have instantly become the most powerful man in Atlantis. Listen to me, the royal family is noble, but they are also desperate. We are on the brink of war. Stay alert. Your power will make you a very valuable pawn, or an insurmountable threat. The line between the two is razor thin. Keep your head about you. And remember . . .” Dace stopped, they were no longer alone. Two palace guards had joined them in the shadows. Cody looked to Jade; her face reflected the thought burning into his own mind: What have we gotten ourselves into?

  A Tale of Two Cities

  The room was not large. The decor was simple but elegant. Cushioned sofas surrounded the perimeter, and rich cherry-toned drapes hung down from the center of the roof, transforming the room into an indoor tent. Cody’s leg muscles twitched. Dace’s words clogged his mind. He felt Jade’s arm brush against his own. They were alone in the room. The relief he felt from her presence was overwhelming. Although neither of them had spoken or offered an apology, Cody knew from the closeness of her body on the sofa that their clash was ancient history. They needed each other; now, more than ever.

  The door abruptly opened and caused Cody to involuntarily grab Jade’s hand. Four bodies entered the room and positioned themselves onto the adjacent furniture. Lady Cia and Prince Kantan were joined by two others. The first was a plump looking young man with a rounded, freckled face. His clumpy hair looked as though a dirty, wet mop had been placed upon his head. The other was a youthful looking girl. Her appearance was defined by simplicity. Her straight blonde hair draped over her shoulders in two tight French braids. Her face was pleasant, complimented by two oversized blue eyes, but her expression was glazed as though unaware of her surroundings.

  It was Kantan who began the conversation, “The King offers his sincere apologies. He is unfortunately still engaged in war council meetings with his generals and unable to join us. However, he invites you both to his chambers tomorrow morning for breakfast.” Kantan motioned to the stalky boy and plain girl. “Our younger brother, Prince Foz, and younger sister, Lady Eva.” The young girl smiled timidly and the plump prince offered a clumsy wave.

  Cia spoke, “We apologize for the way you have been treated. However, we ask you to tell us your story, the whole story, so that we can understand each other.” She laid the scarlet-lettered Book down onto the center table. All eyes narrowed in on Cody. He remembered Dace’s warning, and began slowly telling of their adventures. When he got stumped, Jade would offer details and fill in the gaps.

  Cody told of their discovery of the Book. Mention of Wesley’s death brought a gasp from Eva. He detailed their return to Wesley’s and narrow escape from the Beast. Even stone-faced Kantan’s skin went pale at the mention of the creature. Cody explained their decision to flee and their meeting with Randilin. However, Cody failed to mention anything about Dunstan or CROSS. For some reason he didn’t feel right about divulging those details. Perhaps it was because he still didn’t know which side CROSS was on. Regardless of the reason, he was happy that Jade had followed his lead and had apparently made the same decision. Finally, Cody concluded by describing their break into Area 51, their journey down the Wishing Well, and eventual capture by Dace and his troops.

  When he finished he held his breath. He felt the sweat between Jade’s fingers press against his as she gripped his hand. Kantan leaned forward. “Cody, can you please pick up the Book?” Cody nodded, and cautiously reached out his hand. He felt a tingling sensation on his fingers. His hand closed around the Book. The moment it did, a jolt of energy shot through his fingers, up his arm, and into his head. He dropped the Book and grabbed his head. Cia flashed glance toward Kantan. “Fascinating.”

  She moved her focus toward Cody. “You just felt a strange sensation, didn’t you? Have you felt this sensation before?” Cody recalled the bizarre experience in Jade’s bedroom. He also remembered the two unexplainable times that the Book had mysteriously worked through him.

  “Yes. Every time I touch it, it feels as though this Book, whatever it is, sends some sort of electric shock into my brain. Don’t you feel it?”

  Kantan shook his head. “I feel nothing. Only the texture of leather under my fingers.” Cody was irritated; he was tired of feeling like he was crazy.

  “So why me?” he asked with a raised voice.

  Cia smiled. “Because you are very special Cody. It affects you differently than us because the Book did not choose us.”

  “It didn’t what?” cried Cody and Jade in unison.

  The roundish brother Foz spoke for the first time, his voice was surprisingly solid and affirming, “Brother and sisters. Perhaps it would be wise to explain our history to the boy. If he is indeed who we suspect him to be, then he deserves to know the power he possesses. Don’t you agree, little Eva.” The youngest sister blushed and merely nodded her head in affirmation.

  Cia leaned forward in her chair. When she spoke her voice was an airy whisper, “Foz is right. You deserve to know. Our history is a long one, full of tragedy and betrayal, so listen carefully. Many things may not make sense at first, but you need to know the facts.” She drew in a deep breath, and then began,

  Our story begins at the dawn of time, where a pack of twelve skilled hunters battled through a violent sandstorm. Ishmael, the chief, knew that they would certainly perish in the tempest, so he ordered his men to set up camp. For seven long days the storm raged relentlessly against their thin tents. The weary hunters were on the verge of death from starvation and dehydration when at last the monstrous storm subsided and they staggered weakly from their tents. To their disbelief, directly outside their tent was a water well. None could recall the existence of the well before the storm. Ishmael took this to be divine preservation. As chief, he was to take the first drink. Yet, the moment his hand pierced the liquid, a great whirlwind appeared and Ishmael was dragged into the water, disappearing under its tempestuous surface.

  It was then that the younger brother of Ishmael, driven by a deep love of his brother, led the remaining hunters down the well in pursuit of their beloved chief. Certain death awaited them. Yet, somehow they eluded death’s snare. When they awoke, they found themselves in a giant cave. Miraculously suspended above them on the surface of the cave’s roof was a gentle pool of water. Not a single drop trickled down to the ground from the mystical portal. The well had dragged them to the middle of the earth.

  Ishmael and his brother saw that a bright light radiated from the horizon. It seemed a sun of sorts, burning in the core of the world, the earth’s center. Drawn by curiosity, Ishmael led the hunters on a seven-day journey toward the glowing Orb. When they arrived, Ishmael fell on his face in fear and in reverence of the shining essence. His brother, however, being the more logicminded brother, sought answers. It was he who discovered, hidden in a nearby cave, seven stone tablets. Their writings contained a language unknown to him, but the brilliant combined intellect of the brothers managed to slowly unveil the mystery of the tablets. To their great surprise, through the words on the tablets, they discovered that they were able to access immense power from the Orb. Using its power, they could create mountains and valleys. They could cause a river to form in minutes and even gained power over light and darkness. They had obtained the power to become gods.

  The power terrifi
ed Ishmael. He concluded that this Orb was the very thing that the creator of the universe had used in designing the world. He saw the Orb as no less than leftover paint remaining in the master artist’s pallet—and that it should be strictly left alone. His brother, on the other hand, saw the power as an opportunity to better the world; the Orb was a gift to mankind. The two brothers argued for several days over this disparity. At last Ishmael compromised, declaring that his brother had free will to pursue his own path, and that the remaining hunters were free to pick whom to follow. Six sided with Ishmael, while three joined with his brother, departing to the far, uncharted lands of Under-Earth. The remaining hunter, torn between the two leaders, opted to remain neutral and walked away from the others, never to be seen again.

  That very night, Ishmael founded the city of Atlantis. A majestic kingdom, built around the Orb itself. Slowly, Atlantis was populated with offspring. The king himself bore forth four children. He also came to the startling discovery that the Orb did more than just give power—it prevented death. For the next several hundred years the population grew and the city flourished, until one fateful day when Ishmael’s brother returned to Atlantis.

  Like his older brother, he, too, had founded and populated a city. Unlike Ishmael, however, whose city of Atlantis was formed to honor and protect the power of the Orb, the brother’s city had exploited the power for its own gain. The streets of his city were paved with solid gold, and trees of diamonds grew in its gardens. The city became known as the ‘City of Gold’, ruled over by the self-proclaimed Golden King. The city is also known by its more common name—El Dorado.

  Yet even with all this, the Golden King was not satisfied for his unquenchable greed had corrupted his mind. He protested that it was unfair that Ishmael had claimed the land around the Orb, while he had been banished to the distant corners of Under-Earth. He demanded that Ishmael surrender Atlantis. Ishmael promptly refused, and again urged his younger brother not to abuse the power. The Golden King was enraged. He returned to El Dorado and raised an army to overthrow his selfish brother.