Once, a Long Time Ago

by Kendra G. Johnson

  Blade sat next to Kenann peering out the windows with wide eyed astonishment. The two helicopters finally set down near a stony outcropping. There was nothing but rocks and sand as far as the eye could see. Pierre jumped from the helicopter with the air of a child eager to show his new trick. He motioned for Danny and Kenann to follow. He ignored Blade as if he were not there. Kenann kept him close to her side. They followed Pierre to a cluster of scrubby pines near a large rocky prominence. He turned and beamed at them. With a flourish he pulled down on one of the branches and in a single fluid motion the entire section moved as one unit to expose a large ornate door.

  Kenann stole a glance at Danny Mac and reached out and took his hand. She suddenly felt very afraid. He squeezed her hand and offered a prayer for all of them. Pierre led them through the doorway into the darkness beyond. He turned on a battery-operated hand torch and the area directly around them was suffused in faint light. He led them down a flight of steps to an area below ground level. No one spoke. Pierre turned and beckoned them to follow him. Kenann put Blade between her and Danny Mac as they followed Pierre. They walked for only a few minutes when Pierre stopped and told them to wait. He stepped away a few paces and suddenly their eyes were assaulted by light. They found themselves standing on a stone balcony of some type. Pierre motioned them toward the balustrade. When they reached the edge Kenann let out an involuntary gasp. Danny Mac gripped the railing. Blade whistled. Pierre had achieved the reaction he desired.

  Before and below them stretched a panorama of unbelievable proportions. In this underground cavern was housed a pyramid to rival those at Giza. Far below them, they saw giant statuary and pillared buildings at the base of the pyramid forming a village with wide brick paved avenues. Surrounding the entire tableaux was a honeycomb of balconied rooms overlooking the village below. Kenann turned to Pierre.

  “I am speechless, Pierre. How long has this been here?”

  “Legend has it that it has been here since the Pyramids. I cannot verify that. The rooms for our members have been modernized over the years and are quite luxurious. I think you will be more than pleased with your suite of rooms. Yours will be next to mine.”

  “But remember I am to remain in the company of Daniel and our young friend at all times until the ceremony.”

  “But Your Highness, you are completely safe here. I had hoped you and I could have some time to discuss the future of our Society before The Night of the Lion ceremony begins.”

  “We shall, Pierre. But it will jeopardize the fulfillment of the prophecy if I am separated from Daniel or B ... the boy,” she faltered. Pierre was giddy with hope at her assurance to spend private time with him. His senses were clouded by his belief that the power of the entire world was within his grasp. His eyes took on a faraway look as he turned and gazed out over the panorama before them. Kenann looked at Danny Mac and raised her eyebrows in question. The slight shrug of his shoulder did little to quell the anxiety she felt building. Pierre was deteriorating mentally. She couldn’t help the growing fear that things were soon to spiral out of control.

  CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

  Angelo was experiencing a similar foreboding. He stepped up and lightly touched Pierre on the arm. Pierre turned and looked at him without really seeing him. Angelo spoke softly, “Pierre, I will take them to their quarters now.”

  Pierre nodded, “Yes, yes. Please do. Then come to me. We have much to do. Much to do.” He turned back to gaze out over the underground landscape. Angelo turned to Danny.

  “Come with me.”

  The other men who had come on the second helicopter positioned themselves in a semi-circle a few feet behind Pierre and waited.

  Angelo led them around the circular balcony until he came to an ornate door. When Angelo opened it to reveal an elevator, it looked hopelessly incongruent in that setting. They entered without speaking and began their descent to the base of the cavernous structure.

  “What is Pierre up to, Angelo?”

  “I’m not sure. He’s a wild card now. Katerina was confident of his alliance with her and counted on him naming her as his apprentice for succession to the leadership.

  “He is slipping into a delusional state.” Kenann spoke. The men turned to her.

  Danny Mac asked, “What is that?”

  “Basically, what it says. It’s a form of psychosis in which a person believes a lie or delusion as undisputed fact. They can become dangerous if their delusion is challenged.”

  “Pierre is dangerous with or without his delusion being challenged.” Angelo offered.

  When they arrived at their destination and the door opened, Kenann felt she had been transported back in time. They entered a wide avenue paved with beautiful bricks and mosaics. She expected any minute to see the streets teeming with dark skinned people clothed in soft cotton.

  “Angelo, have you been here before?” Kenann asked.

  “A few times. The Society holds regular meetings here. The helicopters bring everyone in flying under the radar and drop them off. They are invisible to satellite surveillance once they enter the cavern.”

  Kenann realized she was still holding tight to Blade’s hand. She looked down and gave him a reassuring smile. He hadn’t uttered a word since they entered the underground complex.

  “Are you doing all right, buddy?”

  He only nodded. She pulled him close and put an arm around him.

  “That’s the kid from your neighborhood, isn’t it?”

  No one spoke.

  “And mother dear is that rich lady who owns the mansion where you went to the party.”

  Danny Mac spoke, “Are you going to tell Katerina?”

  “I’m not sure. Everything is off balance and Katerina is about as crazed as Pierre right now.”

  “Angelo,” Kenann spoke softly, “We could not have predicted Pierre’s delusion about me when Katerina put this in motion. I am very afraid this will turn into a blood bath if it does not go the way Pierre wants. We need your help to avert that.”

  “What could I do?”

  “I’m not sure but it would be very reassuring if we knew we could count on you when the time comes.”

  “Are you asking me to betray Katerina?”

  “Katerina is in as much danger as we are at this point.”

  Angelo threw up his hand. “Stop with all this talk. You are trying to confuse me. I work for Katerina, not you.” He stopped in front of a large pillared structure. They followed him up several stone steps and into a large foyer whose walls were covered in mural paintings.

  “Here are your quarters. I will be back after I check in with Pierre.”

  The three of them simply stood and watched him walk down the steps into the wide thoroughfare. Danny Mac sensed them looking to him for guidance. He gave them both his signature smile and spread his arms wide taking in the panorama.

  “Well, let’s check things out.” Kenann tapped her ear and gave him a questioning look. He shook his head. He was getting no transmission from Andy. He was not surprised considering how far out into the desert they had come not to mention their depth under the sand. It was doubtful the vague description he had gleaned from the scrolls regarding the site of the ceremony would help Andy track them. He could only hope the GPS was still functioning adequately to pinpoint their location.

  He moved further into the dwelling with Blade and Kenann following close behind. They entered the next room through an arch. It was a large circular common area with rooms exiting off in different directions. There were low divans and even lower tables. The room was sumptuously appointed. Pillows were scattered throughout, and luxurious tapestries lined the walls. Kenann was reminded of her childhood picture book of the Arabian Nights. There were bowls of fruit and a tray with cheeses, nuts and dates displayed on a large central table as well as earthen jugs which appeared to hold something to drink. Blade went over and began nibbling on some of the food. He peered into the jug and grabbed a cup to pour some out.

  “Hang on
there, pal. Let me make sure that’s not wine.”

  “Hey, I’m entitled to a last meal ain’t I?”

  “Stop that!” Kenann turned on him. “That is not funny.”

  His big brown eyes grew large with tears and threatened to spill over. Kenann was immediately remorseful and dropped to her knees in front of him.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry, Blade. My nerves are shot, and I shouldn’t be taking it out on you.”

  “Oh, that’s all right. I’m getting a little scared too.”

  She wrapped him into her arms and rocked him back and forth. “Danny Mac will get us through this, baby.” She felt his shoulders give a shudder and heard a loud sniff before he straightened and stepped back. He gave her a beautiful bright smile that nearly undid her. But she smiled back and stood up.

  Danny Mac had watched this with a fist gripping his heart. These two were counting on him to protect them and see them out of this alive. In his former way of life, he had trusted only in his own physical strength and cunning to get him out of jams. Now he also had the wisdom of the universe and the might of a legion of angels at his disposal.

  “Come here you two.” They approached him slowly. Danny Mac took their hands and led them to a low round table and motioned them to sit down on the plush pillows. He joined them and held his hands out in invitation. They joined hands and looked at him expectantly. Danny Mac closed his eyes and lifted his face to heaven.

  “Holy Father and protector of your children, we claim your power. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us and we proclaim it now. Father we need your guidance and the protection of your mighty warrior angels. We do not know what to do but we trust you and believe that you will make all things right. We pray for your will to be done, Lord. Give us strength. Take away our fear and make us wise. We love you, Lord. Stay nearby. It is through the name of Jesus I pray these things and amen.”

  He looked up and clapped his hands together. “Now let’s check out this food and drink.”

  * * *

  “I’ve narrowed down their location to an area in the south east Sahara but it’s going to take several hours, maybe days, to get clearance to go into that area to get them out.” Andy was running his hands through his auburn hair causing it to spike up.

  “I may have some other options.” All eyes turned to Mrs. Gage.

  Andy smiled patronizingly, “Now, what can you do that the US government can’t?”

  “Let me make a few phone calls. May I borrow those coordinates? Thank you.” She left the room with a determined look on her well-defined face.

  No one spoke. They were all pondering what kind of ace Mrs. G might have up her sleeve this time. She returned beaming.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we are in luck. Or as I am sure Jake will assure us, the Lord is blessing our efforts.”

  “By all means Mrs. G, don’t keep us in suspense.” Andy was a little peeved at the resources available to her.

  “Andrew, how many men do you have at your disposal?”

  “Counting the men under my direct command, I have 5. I could commandeer more if need be.”

  “No, that will be sufficient. A small recon force is what is called for I believe.”

  “Excuse me?” Andy gaped at her.

  Jake draped his arm around Andy’s shoulder. “Don’t argue, son. It will only prolong the inevitable.”

  * * *

  The food was top notch and the drink was some sort of fruit juice. It refreshed them sufficiently to begin developing a strategy. Danny Mac did not want to ask Kenann to meet with Pierre, so he was relieved when she volunteered. She seemed to have regained some of her fighting spirit. They found a phone in one of the bedroom areas and dialed 0. A man answered and Kenann straightened her backbone and adopted the tone she had come to call her goddess voice.

  “Send Pierre to me.” She raised her eyebrows and hung up the phone.

  “They said he was indisposed but they would send him as soon as he was available. Let’s go exploring, shall we?”

  They stepped out onto the large thoroughfare and looked around and up. The pyramid loomed in front of them. The lighting in the large cavern made the street look like late afternoon or early evening. They walked toward the pyramid and up the wide ramp that ended in front of two gargantuan wooden doors. Danny Mac looked around for a mechanism to open them.

  “We need to find a way to get in there.”

  Blade walked over and began pushing on stones beside the door frame. Kenann and Danny Mac smiled at each other in amusement until they heard an audible click and the huge doors began to move inward. Kenann and Danny Mac stared in stunned disbelief. Blade grinned.

  “That’s how they did it in my video game.”

  They walked into the great hall and were amazed to see that it looked very much like a medieval church inside – all stone and intricate carvings. The layout was just as it had been described in the scrolls. There was a large central aisle culminating in a platform staging area in the front. The side aisles were filled with rows of bleacher like seating as were the balcony areas above. A lone table stood at the foot of the stage area reminding Danny Mac of the communion table in his church building at home and then its ominous purpose struck him. He made no comment but guided them up the steps and said, “Let’s see if there are any back ways out of here.”

  * * *

  “Do you mean to tell me that you just happen to know a desert sheik who lives in the same area as the GPS coordinates where we last tracked Danny and Kenann?”

  “That is exactly the case, Andrew.” Mrs. Gage was making a valiant effort to hold her temper. “I have met a great many people in my lifetime. I left my home in Hungary as a young woman due to Communist persecution and spent the next several years traveling and enjoying a variety of adventures. These adventures brought me into contact with some very helpful people. Leo D. Poynter is one of them. He is an English gentleman who stayed in Africa after the Second World War and was adopted into a Bedouin tribe. He leads the tribe now and is willing to help us. Now do you want to stand here and argue about it?”

  Andy met her steely gaze for several seconds and then finally heaved a sigh.

  “How about I just shut up and let you outline your plan?”

  He offered an endearing grin. She responded immediately with an answering smile and took in a deep breath.

  “That sounds like a lovely idea, my dear. Now Leo says we can fly into his camp and he will outfit us with camels to go in search of our friends. Andrew has done a lovely job narrowing our search field using the limited information at his disposal. Leo will accompany us along with other men from his tribe to legitimize our disguise and provide additional firepower if needed. And since there can be only one field commander, I defer all other decisions to you, Andrew.”

  “I have been humbled by your abilities, Mrs. G., which begs the question of how you came to have so much experience in this espionage game.” She simply smiled demurely and offered no comment.

  He continued, “So I would be honored if you would become my second in command. Sorry Sir.” He looked at Jake sheepishly.

  “Not to worry, son. I know when I am out manned.”

  “That is a lovely offer, dear. I would be happy to assist you in any way I can. Oh, by the way, we fly out in the morning for Leo’s camp.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Danny Mac, Kenann and Blade had found a sliding panel at the back of the dais and had gone into a small chamber with spiral stairs leading up to another level. Blade ran up the stairs with ease and called down to them.

  “Hey come up here. This is cool.”

  Danny Mac and Kenann joined him on the upper level and were stunned to see a bed chamber that looked straight out of Scheherazade. Kenann felt her skin begin to grow cold. She sat down suddenly on the floor. Blade ran to her.

  “What’s wrong Kenann?”

  Danny Mac knelt beside her and took her hand in his surreptitiously taking her pulse. It was slow and threa
dy.

  “Kenann, look at me.” She did. “What are you feeling?”

  “I’m sick- sort of faint.” She didn’t add but Danny Mac could see it in her eyes. She was also scared out of her wits.

  “Blade, see if you can find a cup and bring me some water.” He waited until Blade was across the room. “I won’t let him hurt you, Kenann.”

  She looked at the bed and felt her skin crawl at the thought of Pierre touching her. She looked up into Danny Mac’s eyes. Blade came back with a cup of ice-cold water and she sipped it until her head and stomach settled.

  “Sorry, guys. I guess I’m a girly girl.”

  Blade laughed. “Naw, you’re one of the guys, huh, Danny Mac?’

  “Sure, just one of the guys,” he responded absently and rubbed her hands until warmth returned to them.

  “I meant what I said, Kenann,” and before he gave it a conscious thought, leaned in and caressed her lips with his. It was such a tender gesture. She looked into his eyes trying to read his thoughts but was swamped by her own intense feelings of fear mixed with longing.

  “Can we get out of here?”

  “Sure thing. Come on, Blade, let’s keep looking for that back door.”

  They descended the stairs again into the small antechamber and stood back to back staring at the walls. Danny Mac shifted slightly, and the others followed suit until they were turning slowly in a clockwise direction.

  Suddenly Danny Mac exclaimed, “There!” and pointed at a section of wall. Kenann did not see anything out of the ordinary where he was pointing. He broke ranks and walked up to within a few inches of the cut stone surface running his hands along a seam recognized only by him. He looked down at his feet and pushed against the stone with the toe of his boot. The wall pivoted inward revealing a stone staircase descending into increasing darkness. He pushed in again at the threshold of the opening and the door pivoted closed again. He glanced over his shoulder at the other two.