Hey, here’s something a one-striper like you would enjoy. Last week, my chaps and I followed a swarm of bees to their hive by the river. Can’t have the bees stinging my lads so we decided to get rid of the problem. It got exciting, bees being what they are and all. We had to use balls of pine sap to stop those flying pests from stinging. One of the chaps forgot he’d left his best Sunday cap on a ball of sap by a fallen branch and when he went back for it, a strong wind blew everything away! For his trouble, the fellow got a couple of small bee stings, but the cap and branch were gone into the big blue beyond. I had to explain to the fellow’s wife about losing the cap and the branch and she said we should have let the bees take them and spared her poor husband the stings! I’ll tell you, there was hell to pay and the devil to bribe.
Give Dad and Mum my love and don’t flap your lips too much. We wouldn’t want Mum to blow a gasket like she does with George!
See you in the funny papers,
James
When Robert had the whole letter translated into a notebook, he read it again, skipping over the boring chatter and getting right to the good stuff. James hadn’t let him down.
Hey, here’s something a little brother like you would enjoy. Last week my Home Guard Troops and I were sent to the coast to stop enemy ships from infiltrating the harbour. Can’t have those devils blowing up anything. We had to be careful of snipers. We set out mines so no enemy ships could sneak in and sabotage. One of the Home Guard accidentally set off a mine by a pier, destroying both. The fellow had minor injuries, which was lucky considering everything was blown to smithereens. I was the one who had to explain to the Captain how we managed to injure a guard and do as much damage as the enemy! I got into a lot of trouble but talked my way out of most of it.
Robert knew James would have used his best talent, that old Tourond silver tongue, to smooth things over with his captain. That was one handy gift he wished he shared with his story telling brother, especially when he had to deal with his mum.
Robert liked the idea of James making things safer for the Brits. They’d been through so much, particularly the Londoners – hiding out in the Underground every night while fire rained down during the Blitz; the total destruction of whole streets of houses; never knowing if a friend or neighbour would be killed in an instant. Their rationing was much worse too. James had told him he couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen an orange. It made Canada seem very safe. Robert decided the next time he had a piece of fruit, he’d eat it in James’ honour.
His brothers led an exciting life, that was for sure. They were living in a world of danger and daring that rivalled many of Robert’s favourite comic book adventures. He would give anything to be over there, fighting alongside them instead of simply reading about their exploits.
It was then he remembered Sedna of the Sea’s latest adventure, blowing up a submarine with a net full of mines. Something lit up in the back of Robert’s mind...
“Okay sailor, you’re done.”
The lady barber swirled away his cape, blowing a pink bubble from the gum she’d been snapping the whole time she’d hacked at his hair.
Robert checked the mirror and nearly jumped. It was much shorter than usual, almost a brush cut. He ran his fingers across the bristly stubble. His dad would like the new style. Unfortunately, it meant no more saved haircut money for quite a while.
Stowing James’ letter in his bag, Robert hurried to the front desk and paid, safely tucking his hard-earned nickel into the pocket of his trousers.
Now came his reward. It was Maple Leaf Kid time!
Robert raced to Kreller’s drugstore. His heart sank as he wheeled up to the store and saw the Closed sign in the window. He’d have to wait another day to go on a new adventure with his hero. Then, the unthinkable struck him. What if Mr. Kreller had sold the only copy of the Kid to someone else? The fear and disappointment were so sharp he felt a little sick. A familiar figure far down the street caught his eye. Robert pumped the pedals on his bike.
“Mr. Kreller! Mr. Kreller!” he called, chasing after the pharmacist. “Wait! Stop!”
Mr. Kreller turned. “Robert! My goodness, you gave me quite a start.”
“Did The Maple Leaf Kid come in today?” Robert asked, a little breathless from his sprint. He dug in his pocket and pulled out the two nickels. “If he did, please can I buy it? I have the money.”
“Yes, your comic came in. Now, as you can see, lad, I’m on my way home for supper and the shop’s locked up tight. Tell you what, I’ll keep it for you. Come by after school tomorrow and you can pick it up then.”
A sliver of panic stabbed Robert. “No! I mean, please Mr. Kreller, couldn’t you come back and open the store for me, just this once? I’ve waited and waited for this issue.” This was true. He waited and waited for every issue of The Maple Leaf Kid. After all, it was his favourite. “I’d be so grateful. I can’t tell you what it would mean to me. I worry so much about my brothers fighting overseas; the only comfort I get is from my comic books.” He knew this was laying it on pretty thick, but he saw the hesitation on the old man’s face. “Please Mr. Kreller.”
“All right, all right. I guess this once wouldn’t hurt. I think Rosemary is making her casserole delight for dinner and believe me, that’s one delight that I can wait for.” He turned back toward the darkened store.
Robert walked his bike beside the pharmacist, palms sweating. His pendant suddenly warmed against his skin and he felt the stone thrumming again. This had been too close.
The second he had the brown paper bag he felt miraculously better. “Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me.”
The elderly pharmacist nodded wearily in understanding. “I have a grandson fighting over there and I know how it preys on a body’s mind.”
Robert squeezed the bag tightly. Now was as good a time as any. He took a deep breath. “Ah, sir...I saw your sign about giving trading stamps for change, and I was wondering, if I brought in a full book of stamps...now, we’re talking completely full...would you give me four dollars store credit toward comic books?”
Mr. Kreller was skeptical. “It’s usually the other way around – people buy saving stamps from me. You know that if you trade the book in for a certificate, you’ll make a lot more money in the end?”
“Yeah. The thing is, I kinda can’t wait that long.” Robert had been buying comics from this store since he was high enough to reach the counter and hoped loyalty counted for something. He was desperate and decided it wouldn’t hurt to sweeten the pot. “What if I gave you the full book of stamps, four dollars’ worth, and you gave me store credit for only three dollars? That way you come out one whole dollar ahead. And since I would take the credit out in comic books, no cash would actually leave the store.”
The shopkeeper chuckled. “One whole dollar you say! You must really want this badly. You’d be giving away ten comic books.” He considered the offer. “You’re a good customer, and I like to take care of my customers. I think we can arrange something – on a one time only basis, you understand. The deal is the book must be completely full, and I will give you the entire value, four dollars.”
A weight floated off Robert’s shoulders and he felt positively giddy. “Oh, it will be, sir. You bet!” He was elated.
While Mr. Kreller relocked the drugstore, Robert leapt on his bike and aimed it for home. The wind whistled over his close-cropped head and he shivered. Today had been a really close shave, literally. He had to win the Great Grease Roundup at school. There was no other option. Life would be meaningless without comics.
As he turned down his alley, Robert put his worry aside. After all, he had a new comic book, and not just any comic book. He had the latest edition of The Maple Leaf Kid! Was there anything better in the entire universe? And he had a hunch this one would be particularly interesting.
CHAPTER SEVEN
MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSE
When Robert arrived home he rocketed up the stairs, anticipating his
new adventure with the Kid. Offering a quick salute to each of his brothers’ pictures sitting stoically on his dresser, he jumped onto his bed, arranged his pillows like he was a fearless space explorer blasting off in his ship, and prepared to be dazzled.
With the world’s most uncanny sense of timing, his mother chose then to walk into the room, a pair of trousers hanging from her arm. He stifled his immediate groan with a cough; he didn’t want to spend two hours scrubbing the latrine with a toothbrush for insubordination to a commanding officer.
WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENEMY PLANE DROPPED INTO OUR HERO’S SKY. HE BANKED HIS LITTLE FIGHTER HARD AS HE FLED FOR COVER. TRAGICALLY, IT WAS TOO LATE. HE’D BEEN SPOTTED.
Then Robert remembered James’ letter and knew she was here for every juicy detail.
“James is fine Mum, and sends his love. He wrote how he’s been showing the Home Guard some stuff about bees.” True enough. She could read the letter herself and learn that very thing. He hoped this would satisfy his mother, who was always snooping for news not included in his brothers’ letters to her.
His mother laid the trousers on his bed, smoothing out imaginary creases. “I couldn’t let good clothes go to waste and I know how limited your sewing skills are. Try not to do any more damage. My ration card couldn’t take it.”
That was it? He was off the hook. This was too good to be true.
UNEXPECTEDLY, THE ENEMY FLEW BEHIND A JAGGED PEAK AND DISAPPEARED, LEAVING OUR HERO TO BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF. HE WAS SAFE FOR ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER BATTLE.
“Actually, it isn’t only the pants I’m here to deliver. You are one lucky boy Robert. You received a letter from Patrick in today’s post. I hope mine comes tomorrow since...” here she paused dramatically, “...I didn’t get one.” She took the letter out of her apron pocket.
Robert was surprised. It was very unusual to get letters from all three of his brothers so close together. Sometimes neither his parents nor he would get anything for weeks and weeks then a single letter would show up, battered and crumpled, relieving at least some of their fear.
He took his letter as his mother walked to the window. “We’d best air the lair. It smells like a grizzly’s been hibernating in here.”
Robert wondered if she was stalling until he opened his mail. “If you’d like, I’ll bring both James and Patrick’s letters down later and you can read them after supper, kind of like for dessert.”
“I must admit, I’d appreciate a chance to catch up with what they’ve been up to, dear.” She patted him on the shoulder and then turned and left, her mission accomplished.
Robert had to be the luckiest guy in Canada. He had the latest edition of The Maple Leaf Kid and a letter from a brother – again! But Patrick was his favourite so he didn’t have to think about his choice this time. He tore open the envelope and placed the letter on the bedspread in front of him. His brother’s writing, so familiar and reassuring, rambled casually across the page, and Robert knew everything was okay. He decoded his brother’s words.
Buongiorno, Roberto, as they say here.
Things are going well. My guys are all healthy and complaining about the food. I tell them to think of bully beef as fine steak. They say they’re having trouble “swallowing” that. Ha Ha.
Twenty thousand Canadians are here in Sicily. A couple of days ago we camped on the sides of Mount Etna, an active volcano. Instead of watching the pretty lava flow, we spent our nights in foxholes, dodging snipers, and our days slogging across the rocky terrain. It’s been raining a lot and we all smell like wet dogs. I’ve fought, marched, slept, ate and bathed with my Vickers machine gun. I’ve grown so attached to the darn thing, maybe I should offer to marry it.
We’re on the east coast now and Monty is taking us across the Strait of Messina into Italy today. We’re expecting heavy fighting. Wish me luck!
I miss you, mon frere.
Love,
Patrick
P.S. The wildest thing happened early this morning. It was about five o’clock, I couldn’t sleep, nerves I guess, and was staring up at the sky when I saw a shooting star. It was the brightest one I have ever seen; it lit up the night. I followed it from east to west until it disappeared. It was something to write home about, so I did. Ha ha again.
Robert reread the words, then checked the decoded date: Friday, September 3. If he allowed for the time difference between Sicily and Canada, Patrick had seen his shooting star at the exact time Robert saw his! He touched the stone. Had it been the same one? His had been particularly brilliant too. He remembered the searing light and the blinding afterimage.
Robert shivered and reached for the drugstore bag. The Maple Leaf Kid would bring everything back to normal. But when he drew the comic book out, he gasped and clutched at his tiny rock pendant. It felt hot against his chest.
The Kid was pictured standing next to his father on a seashore, the night sky above them exploding with light. Was it a shell? Or was it something the universe had sent, like in the other comic books he’d read this month? Robert took a deep breath and opened the comic.
The Maple Leaf Kid was with his father on an unnamed island in the Mediterranean. They were helping the Allies locate the plans for a new and lethal weapon of terrible destructive power. But they were too late. The weapon had been built and was ready to be used against our Canadian boys! They would have to destroy it. The Kid figured the exact trajectory to send the weapon hurtling into space instead – directly into the heart of an oncoming meteor shower. As he knew would happen, it was struck by a meteor, blowing it to bits. A brilliant fireball lit up the night sky, allowing the Canadian troops to spot and capture the Nazi scientists as they made their escape.
Robert closed the comic book. Very satisfying. He felt his own lucky star tingling as it hung from its silver chain around his neck. There was no mistaking the story line. It had involved the Mediterranean, and where were Sicily and Italy?
The part that truly counted was how a meteor had saved the day. How could all three comics have a meteor in them at the same time?
He found his latest copies of Captain Ice and Sedna of the Sea, placing them in a row next to The Maple Leaf Kid, admiring the artwork.
Retrieving his brothers’ letters from the dresser, Robert took George’s out and reread it. The part about doing the steep climb, then the roll and dive fit perfectly with Ice’s adventure.
He placed George’s letter beside the air ace’s bright cover.
Next was James and his bees that had turned out to be mines, exactly like Sedna and her submarine trap. He put James’ letter with Sedna.
This was like the plot from a science-fiction novel. He tried to be logical, only logic was long gone.
Patrick’s letter rested on top of The Maple Leaf Kid with its fireball cover glowing at him from the faded bedspread.
It wasn’t a coincidence.
There was something going on here, something he was supposed to pay attention to and it was huge.
Patrick had seen a meteorite the same night Robert had seen his. He took his chain off and held the fallen star. It felt warm as it nestled contentedly in his palm. It had been this meteorite. It had to be, and it was a cosmic connection between him and his brothers. The universe meant for him to find this speck of stardust, and the comic books were pointing at the connection, plain as the iron rock he now held.
His heroes were showing him what was happening to his brothers and how they would get out of whatever trouble hit them! He felt dizzy. Maybe he was crazy. Robert’s gaze went from the comic book covers to his brothers’ letters. Maybe he wasn’t.
Who was he to say how the mysteries of the universe worked? All he knew was he’d been given a special insight, a gift, and he shouldn’t dismiss it. His superheroes were here to help.
Robert came to a decision, one that could get him a one-way ticket to the loony bin if anyone found out. He also knew it was the most important decision of his life.
Somehow, the fantasy comic book world and the real
world of his brothers had fused. Robert’s part in this cosmic connection was to ensure he always had the latest editions of his heroes’ adventures. He was positive of this. Secretly, he’d always thought he belonged in a different universe, and now he had the chance to do something as big and as unknown as the vast Milky Way galaxy itself.
“Captain Ice,” he brusquely addressed the image of the air hero. “I’m assigning you to guard my brother George. I want you to accompany him on his missions and report back to me next month with any news.” Robert took the comic and the letter to the dresser and put them next to George’s picture.
“Sedna of the Sea, please watch over James. He doesn’t always make the best decisions and could use your wisdom.” He took Sedna and the letter from James to the dresser and arranged them next to his brother’s picture.
Returning to his bed, Robert sat beside the remaining comic book. “Kid, you know you’re my favourite hero.” He touched the brightly coloured cover. “Don’t tell my other brothers, but Patrick is the pick of the litter as far as I’m concerned and I’d really appreciate it if you could keep him safe, as a personal favor to me.” He walked to the dresser, moved Patrick’s smiling picture between his other two brothers and their comic book guardians, and then carefully placed the latest edition of The Maple Leaf Kid and Patrick’s letter against the picture frame.
He stepped back from the dresser and crisply saluted his cadre of heroes, all six of them. They were a team, a super team, brought together by forces none of them could fathom. One thing was certain – he would listen to that message from the void. He was the link between the two worlds and he would do his best to help with their fight.
The Comic Book War: The Comic Book War Page 4
